Fourteen countries back plans for Saudi-led maritime defence alliance
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RIYADH, July 30 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Fourteen countries issued a joint declaration supporting plans for a Saudi-led maritime defence alliance covering the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait and Gulf of Aden.
Saudi Arabia would become the founding and leading member of the alliance and host its headquarters under arrangements discussed at a Defence Ministry meeting on Thursday.
The declaration was backed by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Sudan, Djibouti and Somalia.
Military chiefs and representatives from 43 countries took part in the meeting alongside the European Union delegation to Saudi Arabia. A total of 51 countries and organisations had been invited.
The proposed alliance would coordinate efforts to protect commercial vessels, energy tankers, maritime infrastructure and international shipping routes from attack.
Participants reviewed a draft charter, organisational structure, command arrangements and operating mechanisms for the alliance.
Military planners from countries seeking to join will continue work on the framework, while their governments complete domestic approvals before signing the charter and beginning operations.
The joint declaration will remain open to other countries after they complete their national procedures.
Source: SPA
