Founding members approve Saudi-led maritime defense alliance to safeguard Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab and Gulf of Aden

RIYADH — The founding members of the Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance on Thursday approved the establishment of the coalition as a framework for maritime defense cooperation, with Saudi Arabia designated as its founding nation, leader and permanent headquarters.In a joint statement, the founding states said growing threats to global maritime security require stronger collective cooperation to protect freedom of navigation, international trade routes and global energy supply lines through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.The alliance said it will operate in accordance with international law, United Nations conventions and internationally recognized norms to enhance maritime security, safeguard international shipping and protect shared maritime interests.The participating countries agreed to establish the alliance's Joint Command, command-and-control centers, Joint Maritime Operations Center and General Secretariat in Saudi Arabia as its principal executive bodies.The statement reaffirmed the founding members' commitment to the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, international law and globally recognized treaties and norms, describing maritime security as a shared responsibility that requires close coordination to address common and transnational threats.The participating countries said they will continue completing their domestic legal and constitutional procedures to formally accede to the alliance's charter.Under the agreement, members will expand cooperation in maritime security, intelligence and information sharing, operational planning, joint exercises, training, capacity building, lessons learned and joint maritime operations in accordance with the alliance's charter.The statement stressed that the alliance is purely defensive in nature and is not directed against any country, alliance or international organization. It said all activities will be conducted in full compliance with international law, respect for state sovereignty and the protection of freedom of navigation, while participation in alliance activities and operations will remain a sovereign decision for each member state.The founding members also invited other countries that share the alliance's objectives and principles to join the charter, saying broader participation would strengthen collective maritime security in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.The statement described the alliance as a strategic step toward enhancing maritime security, deepening defense cooperation among its members and supporting regional and global stability, while complementing international efforts to preserve international peace and security.Earlier on Thursday, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Sudan, Djibouti and Somalia endorsed the alliance and welcomed agreement on its founding arrangements, while additional countries expressed support and are completing their national procedures before joining the initiative.