Riyadh : Major General Turki Al Malki, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said the announcement of the Multinational Maritime Defence Coalition reflects a shared international understanding of the scale of the threats facing maritime security and freedom of navigation, and embodies a collective responsibility to protect maritime routes and global economic interests.
Major General Al Malki said the region and the world face both real and emerging threats. He noted that every country has the right to take whatever military or political measures it considers necessary to protect its interests and address those threats. He added that there is ongoing coordination among the countries bordering the Red Sea to strengthen the security of maritime routes and protect shared interests.
He said Saudi Arabia, through its experience in the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, has made significant progress in eliminating maritime threats, including countering drones, fast boats and naval mines. He stressed that maintaining maritime security is a collective responsibility that extends beyond coastal states to all countries that benefit from the security and stability of maritime routes.
Major General Al Malki stressed that protecting international shipping lanes and oil tankers is key to global economic stability. He said any terrorist acts or threats targeting maritime security affect the entire international community, making stronger international cooperation and coordination essential to counter them and safeguard the security and stability of maritime routes.
