Pakistan on Thursday joined 13 other countries in backing a Saudi-led proposal to establish a multinational maritime defense alliance to protect international shipping lanes, as growing conflict in the Middle East raises threats to global trade and maritime security.
What is the Saudi-led maritime alliance?
The proposal was endorsed during a high-level meeting hosted by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense, bringing together chiefs of defense and senior military representatives from 43 countries, along with a delegation from the European Union. A total of 51 countries and organizations were invited, with 43 participating in person or by video link.
Why is the maritime alliance being formed?
Delegates discussed rising threats to international maritime security, including attacks on commercial ships, oil tankers and critical maritime infrastructure. They warned that such incidents were disrupting global trade routes, supply chains and the international economy, underscoring the need for closer defense cooperation. Participants reviewed the alliance's proposed charter, organizational structure, command-and-control framework, operational procedures and implementation roadmap.
Which countries have joined the maritime alliance?
The coalition is meant to create an institutional framework for addressing shared maritime security challenges in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. At the conclusion of the meeting, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Sudan, Djibouti and Somalia issued a joint declaration supporting the alliance's establishment, with other participating countries expressing intent to join.
Who will lead the maritime alliance?
Delegates agreed that Saudi Arabia would serve as the alliance's founding and leading nation and host its permanent headquarters, reflecting confidence in the kingdom's role in promoting regional and international maritime security. Saudi Arabia said the initiative would remain an open international defense framework, inviting all countries that support its objectives to join.
Military planners from countries seeking to join will continue consultations to finalize the charter, command structure and other technical arrangements before the coalition is formally launched, once participating states complete their domestic legal procedures. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to completing the remaining procedures quickly to operationalize the alliance and strengthen collective capabilities to protect international sea lanes, global trade and regional security.
What prompted Pakistan's endorsement of the alliance?
The endorsement came hours after Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke by telephone with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan to discuss the deteriorating security situation in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The call took place as escalating military exchanges between the United States and Iran heightened concerns over maritime security and regional stability.
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