Saudi Defense: 39 Countries Participate in the Third Planning Meeting of the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition

-13 countries have officially completed their accession as the alliance moves to the institutional and operational activation phase

The third planning meeting of the multinational maritime defense alliance "MMDC" was held at the Western Fleet Command in Jeddah, with representatives from 39 friendly and sister nations participating, marking a key step toward activating the alliance.

The Saudi Ministry of Defense stated in a press release that 15 countries have signed the joint declaration, while 13 countries have completed their national procedures, signed the alliance charter, and officially announced their accession. This represents the actual launch of the alliance toward the institutional and operational activation phase, while the remaining countries continue to complete the necessary national procedures for joining.

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The ministry added that this development coincides with rapid progress in completing the institutional building blocks of the alliance, including the appointment of a Deputy Commander of the Alliance from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and an agreement that the Deputy Commander in the first term will be from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. It also noted the determination of the alliance command’s headquarters location and the adoption of its logo, alongside the completion of the necessary organizational, planning frameworks, and reference guides required to commence its operations.

It clarified that the third planning meeting contributed to finalizing the practical arrangements for activating the alliance’s organs and its multinational command, paving the way for the reception of officers and personnel participating from member states and integrating them into the joint command and staff structure, the Joint Maritime Operations and Coordination Center, and the alliance intelligence center. These steps aim to accelerate the development of its operational capabilities and enhance its readiness to perform its defensive duties within its area of responsibility.

The ministry noted that transitioning to this stage represents an advanced step in building a sustainable multinational maritime defense alliance aimed at consolidating the concept of collective maritime security, protecting freedom of navigation and maritime routes and straits, and supporting the continuity of international trade and global supply chains.

It pointed out that as many countries complete their national procedures and begin activating the alliance’s organs and command, the alliance enters a new phase of joint work. Efforts will shift from building frameworks and structures to activating them and integrating the capabilities of member states, paving the way toward operational readiness and the execution of assigned tasks. This reflects the resolve of participating countries to build a defensive maritime partnership capable of enhancing maritime security and stability, protecting freedom of navigation and shared interests, and contributing to the security and stability of the region and the international community, in accordance with the alliance charter, its reference documents, and international law provisions.