Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense has announced the hosting of an international meeting that brought together chiefs of staff and representatives from friendly and allied countries, along with the European Union delegation to the Kingdom. The objective of the meeting was to discuss the creation of a multinational naval defense coalition aimed at enhancing maritime security and protecting international sea routes.
The ministry revealed that the meeting was attended by chiefs of staff and representatives from 43 countries, along with the EU delegation, out of 51 nations and organizations that were invited. Attendance was both in-person and virtual, highlighting significant international interest in strengthening naval defense cooperation.
According to the statement, participants discussed threats targeting commercial ships, energy tankers, and maritime infrastructure, emphasizing the risks these pose to the safety of maritime navigation and global supply chains. The importance of bolstering multilateral collaboration to confront these challenges was also underscored.
The meeting delved into the charter project for the multinational naval defense coalition, its reference documents, organizational structure, command and control arrangements, and operational mechanisms. The aim is to create an institutional framework that fosters defensive cooperation among participating countries, with a particular focus on safeguarding navigation in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.
The Ministry of Defense noted that discussions included foundational arrangements for the coalition, primarily designating Saudi Arabia as the founding and leading nation, hosting its headquarters.
Participants agreed to continue military and technical team work in the next phase to finalize the coalition's charter, complete the necessary organizational and legal procedures, and set the stage for the signing and launch of the coalition and the commencement of its tasks.
The ministry affirmed that the initiative represents an international defensive alliance open to all countries that share its goals and principles, strengthening collective maritime security and protecting free navigation and global trade.
At the conclusion of the meeting, 14 countries issued a joint statement expressing support for the initiative, namely: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Sudan, Djibouti, and Somalia. Additional countries affirmed their participation and support, pending the completion of their national procedures to join.