JEDDAH: The Saudi-led Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition has finalized key arrangements to activate its command structure, the Saudi Ministry of Defense said on Thursday.
Preparations have begun to integrate officers and personnel from member states into its command, maritime and intelligence operations, it added.
The announcement came during the coalition’s third planning meeting, at the Western Fleet Command in Jeddah, which was attended by representatives of 39 countries.
Fifteen nations have so far signed the coalition’s joint statement, and 13 have completed the additional domestic procedures required to formally become members. Other participating states continue to carry out the necessary national procedures required to join, the ministry said.
The participants agreed that the coalition’s first deputy commander will be from Pakistan. Saudi Rear Adm. Abdullah bin Salem Al-Shehri was appointed commander last week. The coalition has also designated its headquarters, approved its official logo and completed the organizational and planning frameworks required for it to begin its work.
“The measures are intended to accelerate the development of the coalition’s operational capabilities and enhance its readiness to carry out defensive missions within its area of responsibility,” the Ministry of Defense said.
The Saudi-led coalition aims to establish a permanent multinational defense framework to protect freedom of maritime navigation, shipping routes and strategic waterways, while safeguarding international trade and global supply chains.
It will focus on maritime security in the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandab Strait and Gulf of Aden, key waterways connecting Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
The next stage of implementation will focus on achieving operational readiness and carrying out the coalition’s assigned missions, the ministry said.
Saudi Arabia announced the formation of the coalition last month after a meeting in Riyadh of representatives from 43 countries as part of efforts to strengthen collective maritime security amid growing threats to commercial shipping and strategic waterways.
Fourteen countries, including the Kingdom, initially joined the alliance. Al-Shehri later said more were expected to join, and the coalition would remain open to all countries that share its objectives and principles. He noted at the time that the level of participation reflected broad international support for treating the security of global waterways as a collective responsibility.
The coalition is defensive in nature and does not target any particular country, organization or alliance, Saudi officials said. It will operate in accordance with international law and respect state sovereignty and freedom of navigation.
