RIYADH: Commander of the Multinational Maritime Defence Coalition Rear Admiral Abdullah bin Salem Alshehri has said the coalition would enhance maritime security and global shipping in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.
“Under the directives of the leadership, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is leading an international initiative to establish the Multinational Maritime Defence Coalition, he said.
In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency on Thursday, the Commander said: “The Kingdom’s hosting of 43 countries at the coalition’s founding meeting is conclusive evidence of broad international consensus that the security of international waterways is a collective responsibility, and that multilateral defence cooperation and continuous coordination are the cornerstone for ensuring freedom of navigation, securing supply chains, and safeguarding energy supplies.”
Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition Aims to Protect Global Shipping and Security, Commander Says.https://t.co/qzQmd4IDnR#SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/TZ1GzPUXVs
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Alshehri went on to say that several countries announced at the conclusion of the meeting their accession to the coalition under the joint statement, while the remaining countries continue to complete their national arrangements and procedures in preparation for joining, with membership remaining open to all countries wishing to join the coalition.
He added that the Kingdom’s hosting the headquarters and leadership of the coalition reflects its vital role in enhancing regional and international security, as well as its proactive stance in establishing effective coalitions to deter shared maritime threats.
The Commander affirmed that the coalition is purely defensive in nature and does not target any country, organisation, or coalition.
Instead, it operates in accordance with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations and in compliance with international law, while fully respecting the sovereignty of states and ensuring freedom of navigation in international maritime waterways.
Maritime Coalition reflects global commitment to maritime security
Meanwhile, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence Major General Turki Al-Malki affirmed that the announcement of the Multinational Maritime Defence Coalition reflects a shared international understanding of the scale of threats facing maritime security and freedom of navigation, and embodies a collective responsibility to protect maritime routes and global economic interests, the SPA reported.
In a statement, Major General Al-Malki disclosed that the region and the world are facing real and emerging threats, noting that every country has the right to take whatever military or political measures it deems necessary to protect its interests and address such threats. He affirmed the existence of continuous coordination among the countries bordering the Red Sea to enhance the security of maritime routes and protect shared interests.
He pointed out that Saudi Arabia, through its experience in the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, has achieved significant accomplishments in eliminating maritime threats, including countering unmanned UAVs, fast boats, and naval mines. He emphasised that maintaining maritime security is a collective responsibility that is not limited to coastal states, but extends to all countries that benefit from the security and stability of maritime routes.
Saudi Arabia announces appointment of commander maritime defence coalition
Earlier, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence announced the appointment of the commander of a maritime defence coalition comprising Gulf countries, marking a key step in strengthening regional maritime security cooperation.
“The Ministry of Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announces the appointment of Rear Admiral (Staff) Abdullah bin Salem Al-Shahri as the Coalition Commander,” a statement said.
Also Read: Saudi Arabia Announces Appointment of Commander Maritime Defence Coalition
“This represents a key step in advancing the coalition’s institutional development and enhancing its operational readiness.”
“This appointment reflects the commitment of the founding states to completing the coalition’s leadership structure, thereby strengthening its readiness to carry out its defensive missions in support of maritime security, protecting freedom of navigation, securing maritime routes and strategic straits, and safeguarding international trade and global supply chains within the coalition’s area of responsibility, in accordance with its charter and the provisions of international law,” it added.
تعيين قائد للتحالف البحري الدفاعي متعدد الجنسيات.#وزارة_الدفاع pic.twitter.com/NQEfYtstcl
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Global maritime security alliance
Saudi Arabia last month announced plans to establish a Multinational Maritime Defence Alliance, with Pakistan joining 13 other countries in endorsing the initiative aimed at protecting critical international shipping routes and countering growing maritime security threats.
The proposal was unveiled during a high-level meeting hosted by the Saudi Ministry of Defence in Riyadh, attended by chiefs of staff and senior military officials from 43 countries, along with representatives of the European Union. The participants discussed creating a coordinated international framework to safeguard global sea lanes, enhance maritime navigation security, and strengthen collective defence cooperation.
Participants agreed that Saudi Arabia would serve as the alliance’s founding nation and host its permanent headquarters, highlighting the Kingdom’s expanding role in regional and international maritime security.
