Saudi deputy chief of staff urges global action to secure maritime routes

Saudi Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Fahd Al-Ghufaili, emphasized that protecting strategic maritime corridors and ensuring freedom of navigation is a shared international responsibility, stressing the need for the global community to unite against threats targeting the security of commercial vessels and oil tankers.

Speaking at the Manama Dialogue forum on Sunday, Al-Ghufaili said Houthi attacks on commercial ships and oil tankers since 2023 have revealed the scale of risks facing international navigation, making collective action essential to safeguard vital sea lanes and strengthen regional and global stability.

He explained that the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandab Strait, and Gulf of Aden contain some of the world's most important strategic maritime passages, noting that any disruption in these areas directly affects the global economy, energy markets, international trade, food security, and supply chains.

Al-Ghufaili added that undermining international laws and principles could lead to violations of state rights, chaos, and instability, underlining the importance of unified international efforts to maintain maritime security.

Defensive maritime coalition includes 14 countries

As part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to enhance maritime security, Al-Ghufaili referred to the Kingdom's launch of an international initiative that led to the establishment of the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition (MMDC), which now includes 14 member states, with others expressing interest in joining after completing national procedures.

The deputy chief of staff outlined the pillars of Saudi Arabia's vision for maritime security, which include respect for state sovereignty and legitimate rights, guaranteeing freedom of navigation and passage in accordance with international law, rejecting the use of maritime corridors for political pressure or military escalation, and firmly opposing attacks on commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure.

He stressed the importance of strengthening regional cooperation to address various maritime threats, affirming that straits and international passages should be arenas for cooperation rather than competition and conflict.

Al-Ghufaili said keeping maritime corridors open, safe, and stable serves the interests of all nations, whether bordering these routes or relying on them for trade and energy supplies, emphasizing the need to adhere to international law and prioritize dialogue and wisdom over escalation and confrontation.