Saudi Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki affirmed that the announcement of the Multinational Maritime Defense 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.
In a statement to media outlets, 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 emphasized 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.
The Ministry of Defense spokesperson stressed that protecting international shipping lanes and oil tankers represents a fundamental pillar of global economic stability, noting that any terrorist acts or threats targeting maritime security affect the entire international community. This requires strengthening international cooperation and coordination to confront such threats, contributing to the security and stability of maritime routes.
For his part, Commander of the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition Rear Admiral Abdullah bin Salem Alshehri told SPA that "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 affirmed 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.
Alshehri stressed 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.
