Saudi Arabia: 15 countries sign statement to form maritime defence coalition

Representatives from 39 countries attended a planning meeting in Jeddah for a multinational maritime defence coalition, as the grouping moves towards establishing its command structure and becoming operational, Saudi Arabia's Defence Ministry said on August 13.

Fifteen countries have signed a joint statement, while 13 have completed their national procedures, signed the coalition charter and formally joined the coalition, the ministry said. The remaining countries are continuing the procedures required to join.

The coalition has appointed a commander from Saudi Arabia and agreed that Pakistan will provide its deputy commander during its first term, the ministry said.

It has also designated a headquarters, adopted an emblem and completed organisational and planning frameworks and reference documents needed to begin its work.

The third planning meeting focused on arrangements to activate the coalition's multinational command structure and other bodies, including a joint command and staff structure, a maritime operations and coordination centre and an intelligence centre.

The ministry said the arrangements would allow officers and personnel from member states to be integrated into the coalition's structures and accelerate the development of its operational capabilities.

The coalition aims to strengthen collective maritime security, protect freedom of navigation and maritime routes and straits, and support international trade and global supply chains.

The latest meeting marks a transition from establishing the coalition's institutional framework towards activating its structures and integrating the capabilities of its member states, the ministry said.

By Aghakazim Guliyev