Riyadh: The founding states of the Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance issued a joint declaration today following their meeting in Riyadh, emphasizing their commitment to international law and maritime security.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the declaration reaffirms the commitment of the founding states to the principles of the United Nations Charter. It stresses the importance of collective defense cooperation to protect freedom of navigation and secure international trade routes, particularly in strategic locations like the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.
The alliance, established as a defensive framework, aims to enhance maritime security and protect shared interests in accordance with international law. The member states agreed to finalize internal procedures required for formal accession to the Charter, following their constitutional and legal frameworks.
The alliance will focus on strengthening cooperation in maritime security, intelligence sharing, operational planning, and joint exercises. Participation in operational activities will remain a sovereign decision for each member state, respecting national laws.
The alliance is defensive and does not target any state or organization, conducting activities in compliance with international law and respecting state sovereignty. Other states that share its objectives are invited to join, expanding cooperation and strengthening maritime security in the region.
Saudi Arabia is designated as a founding and leading state, hosting the alliance's permanent headquarters. Key executive bodies like the Joint Command and the Combined Maritime Operations Center will be established in Saudi Arabia.
The founding states assert that this alliance will enhance maritime security, consolidate defense cooperation, and support regional stability, contributing to global peace and security in line with international law.