Saudi Arabia on Thursday announced the creation of a multinational maritime defense coalition to help safeguard freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, with 14 countries, including Türkiye, Pakistan, Egypt, Sudan and Djibouti, backing the initiative in a joint statement.
In a statement, the Saudi Defense Ministry said the meeting was attended by chiefs of staff and representatives from 43 countries, as well as a delegation from the European Union to discuss ways of enhancing the security of international maritime routes and counter threats to global navigation and trade.
"The door remains open for other countries to join after completing their national procedures,” the ministry said.
The alliance aims to protect freedom of navigation and international trade routes and global energy supplies, the ministry said after the meeting on the alliance.
It said the meeting addressed the growing threats to maritime security, including the security of commercial vessels, oil tankers, and maritime infrastructure. It also explored ways to strengthen multilateral defense cooperation to protect supply chains and the global economy.
