- July 31, 2026
- Posted by: Tresmark
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Pakistan has joined 13 other countries in backing a Saudi-led initiative to establish a multinational maritime defence coalition aimed at protecting shipping lanes in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Gulf of Aden.
The proposed alliance, unveiled during a high-level meeting hosted by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense, is intended to counter threats to commercial vessels, oil tankers and critical maritime infrastructure while safeguarding global trade, energy supplies and freedom of navigation.
Saudi Arabia will serve as the founding and leading member of the coalition and host its headquarters. The meeting was attended by military representatives from 43 countries and the European Union, with invitations extended to 51 countries and organisations.
A joint statement supporting the initiative was issued by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Sudan, Djibouti and Somalia.
Participants reviewed the alliance's proposed charter, command structure and operational framework. Military planners will now finalise the technical and legal arrangements before the coalition is formally launched.
Saudi Arabia said the alliance would remain open to other countries that share its objectives, as international concerns grow over security threats to one of the world's most critical maritime trade and energy corridors.
