Manama: The founding states of the Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance issued a joint declaration announcing the establishment of the alliance as a defensive framework to enhance maritime security, protect freedom of navigation, secure international trade routes and energy supply lines, and safeguard shared maritime interests in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the declaration reaffirmed the founding states' commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, international law, and recognized international maritime customs, stressing that maritime security is a shared responsibility requiring strengthened defense cooperation and cross-border coordination.
The founding states agreed to complete the procedures required for accession to the alliance's charter in accordance with their constitutional and legal frameworks, while strengthening cooperation in maritime security, information and intelligence sharing, operational planning, joint exercises, training, capacity building, and joint maritime operations.
The declaration affirmed that participation in operational activities remains a sovereign decision for each member state in accordance with its national laws and emphasized that the alliance is purely defensive, does not target any state, alliance, or international organization, and operates in full compliance with international law.
The founding states designated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a founding and leading state of the alliance and approved the establishment of its permanent headquarters, Joint Command, Command and Control Center, Combined Maritime Operations Center, and General Secretariat in the Kingdom.
The declaration also invited states that share the alliance's objectives and principles to accede to its charter and affirmed that establishing the alliance represents a strategic step towards strengthening maritime security, enhancing defense cooperation among member states, and supporting regional stability in coordination with broader international efforts to protect global peace and security.