Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition Aims to Protect Global Shipping and Security, Commander Says

Commander of the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition Rear Admiral Abdullah bin Salem Alshehri stated: "Under the directives of the leadership, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is leading an international initiative to establish the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition, aimed at enhancing maritime security and protecting the global economy and shared maritime interests in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.”

 In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency today, he 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 defense cooperation and continuous coordination are the cornerstone for ensuring freedom of navigation, securing supply chains, and safeguarding energy supplies.”

 Alshehri added 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 stated that the Kingdom’s hosting the headquarters and leadership of the coalition reflect 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 asserted that the coalition aims to enhance maritime security, ensure freedom of navigation, secure trade routes, supply chains, and energy resources, and protect shared maritime interests in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.

 He affirmed that the coalition is purely defensive in nature and does not target any country, organization, 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.