Saudi Arabia took an international step to ensure security in the Red Sea, which has been overshadowed by the naval blockade and attacks of Iran-backed Houthis. Chiefs of general staff and representatives from 43 countries attended the meeting held in Riyadh on July 30.
According to a statement from the Saudi Ministry of Defense, the discussions addressed the establishment of a multinational naval alliance to strengthen navigational security in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The meeting discussed the growing threats to commercial ships and oil tankers and ways to protect global maritime trade.
Alliance structure determined
Participants reached consensus on the alliance's draft charter, organizational structure, and command mechanisms. The Defense Ministry statement noted that this step aims to create an effective institutional framework against common maritime threats in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.
It was decided to complete the alliance's establishment procedures and prepare the final draft charter, paving the way for it to become operational.
14 countries issue joint statement
After the meeting, 14 countries declared their support for the alliance through a joint statement. The signatory countries are: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Pakistan, Turkey, Djibouti, Somalia, Bangladesh, Yemen, and the Comoros.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the door remains open for other countries to join the alliance after completing their internal procedures.
Regional response to Houthi threat
This development came after the Houthis in Yemen declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia on July 20 and subsequently carried out attacks on Saudi-linked ships. The Riyadh administration had pledged to protect maritime navigation and respond to threats against international shipping.
