Saudi-led maritime alliance launched to patrol shipping routes
Fourteen founding members agree to strengthen naval cooperation and protect global trade across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — Saudi Arabia and 13 partner countries have agreed to establish a multinational maritime defense coalition aimed at strengthening security along some of the world’s busiest shipping corridors, including the Bab El-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
The announcement followed a high-level meeting in Riyadh attended by military leaders and representatives from 43 countries, alongside the European Union delegation.
More than 50 countries and international organizations were invited to participate either in person or virtually.
According to a joint statement, the coalition will serve as a platform for defense cooperation focused on protecting freedom of navigation, safeguarding international trade routes and energy supply lines, and enhancing maritime security in accordance with international law and United Nations conventions.
The founding members are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Sudan, Djibouti and Somalia.
Saudi Arabia will serve as the coalition’s founding and leading nation, with its permanent headquarters based in the Kingdom.
Officials said the initiative is defensive in nature and is not directed against any country, alliance or international organization.
Member states emphasized that all coalition activities will respect national sovereignty and uphold international legal principles governing maritime navigation.
During the meeting, participants assessed increasing threats to commercial shipping, energy tankers and critical maritime infrastructure, warning that attacks on maritime traffic pose risks to global supply chains and international economic stability.
They agreed that closer military coordination is needed to counter shared security challenges.
Military planners from prospective member states will continue work on finalizing the coalition’s charter, organizational framework, command structure and operational procedures before participating governments complete their domestic approval processes.
Once those steps are finalized, member states are expected to formally sign the charter and launch coalition operations.
Saudi officials said the initiative will remain open to additional countries that support its objectives, describing maritime security as a shared international responsibility requiring sustained multinational cooperation.
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