Thirteen countries have formally joined a Saudi-led multinational maritime defence alliance aimed at safeguarding freedom of navigation, international trade and energy supply routes in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Representatives from 39 friendly and allied countries participated in the third planning meeting of the alliance at the Western Fleet Command in Jeddah, underscoring the broad international interest surrounding the initiative.
According to Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry, 15 countries have signed the coalition’s joint statement. However, 13 countries have completed the required domestic procedures to formally become members.
Other participating countries are continuing their internal procedures before joining the alliance.
The statement said, “The number of countries that signed the joint statement reached 15 countries, while 13 countries completed their national procedures, signed the alliance charter, and officially announced their accession.”
“This represents the actual launch of the alliance towards the institutional and operational activation phase, while the rest of the countries continue to complete the necessary national procedures to join the alliance,” it added.
The initiative forms part of efforts to strengthen maritime security, protect international sea lanes, and counter threats targeting maritime navigation and global trade. It will focus on cooperation and joint planning among member countries.
Saudi Arabia emphasized that the multinational cooperation aims to enhance its readiness to undertake defensive tasks within its area of responsibility.
“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 alliance’s formation comes amid heightened security concerns across the Red Sea and surrounding waters. Attacks on commercial vessels have disrupted shipping and increased risks for global trade. Saudi Arabia has therefore placed greater emphasis on regional maritime security cooperation.
The formation of the alliance was first announced on July 30 by Saudi Arabia and 13 other countries.
The next stage of implementation will focus on achieving operational readiness and carrying out the coalition’s assigned missions.
The latest announcement did not identify all 15 countries that signed the joint statement or the 13 states that have completed formal accession.
