Defense maritime coalition boosts global trade security, says Saudi official

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki said the announcement of the multinational maritime defense coalition reflects a shared international awareness of the threats facing maritime security and freedom of navigation, and represents a collective responsibility to safeguard global sea lanes and economic interests.

In a media statement in Riyadh today, Al-Maliki explained that both the region and the world face real and emerging threats, noting that every country has the right to take whatever military or political measures it deems necessary to protect its interests and address these challenges.

Al-Maliki highlighted ongoing coordination among Red Sea littoral states to enhance the security of maritime corridors and protect shared interests. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia, drawing on its experience in the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, has achieved significant successes in countering maritime threats, including intercepting drones, fast boats, and naval mines.

The Ministry of Defense spokesperson stressed that maintaining maritime security is a collective responsibility, not limited to coastal states but extending to all nations that benefit from the safety and stability of sea routes.

He added that protecting international shipping lanes and oil tankers is a cornerstone of global economic stability, emphasizing that any terrorist acts or threats targeting maritime security have repercussions for the entire international community. This, he said, requires enhanced international cooperation and coordination to address such threats and ensure the security and stability of maritime corridors.