Saudi Arabia is leading an international initiative to establish a multinational maritime defense alliance aimed at enhancing security in the Red Sea, with support from 14 countries and participation from representatives of 43 nations and the European Union.
The initiative was discussed during an international meeting hosted by Riyadh, where participating countries examined the framework for creating the proposed alliance.
Among the countries supporting the initiative are Türkiye, Pakistan, Egypt, Sudan, and Djibouti, which, along with other nations, issued a joint statement backing the establishment of the maritime defense alliance.
Saudi Arabia to Host Alliance Headquarters
The Saudi Ministry of Defense said the meeting focused on the founding arrangements of the proposed alliance, including Saudi Arabia serving as the founding and leading country and hosting the alliance’s headquarters.
The ministry said this reflects international confidence in Saudi Arabia’s role in strengthening collective maritime security.
It added that the meeting was attended by chiefs of staff and representatives from 43 countries, as well as the European Union delegation to Saudi Arabia, out of 51 countries and organizations invited to participate either in person or virtually.
According to the ministry, the alliance aims to enhance defense cooperation among member states, safeguard freedom of navigation and global trade, secure international trade routes and energy supplies, and protect shared maritime interests in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and Gulf of Aden.
The ministry also announced that 14 countries issued a joint statement supporting the project, including Türkiye, Pakistan, Egypt, Sudan, and Djibouti.
However, the list of signatories did not include Oman or the United Arab Emirates among the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Alliance Comes Amid Rising Red Sea Tensions
The Saudi announcement comes as security tensions continue to rise in the Red Sea following attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement that disrupted shipping activity along one of the world’s busiest trade routes, raising concerns over international commerce and energy markets.
The Houthis announced on July 20 that they were imposing a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea and later claimed responsibility for a series of attacks targeting vessels linked to the kingdom.
Saudi Arabia responded with airstrikes targeting what it described as Houthi military facilities in Yemen’s Hodeidah province that were being used to threaten commercial navigation.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait, which connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, is one of the world’s most important maritime routes for transporting goods and oil shipments.
Recent attacks in the area have increased concerns over maritime security and contributed to volatility in global energy markets.
International Efforts to Secure Maritime Routes
The Saudi initiative also comes as part of broader international efforts to protect global shipping routes.
In 2024, the European Union launched a naval mission in the Red Sea aimed at helping restore and safeguard freedom of navigation after commercial vessels came under attack by Yemen’s Houthi movement.
The proposed Saudi-led alliance seeks to strengthen coordination among participating countries and enhance collective efforts to protect strategic waterways in the region.
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