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The Saudi Press Agency reported that Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa telephoned Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday. The two leaders reviewed recent regional developments along with joint efforts aimed at reinforcing security and stability in the area. King Hamad conveyed congratulations on the establishment of the Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance under Saudi leadership with its headquarters located in the Kingdom. He stated that the selection reflects the international community’s confidence in Saudi Arabia’s role advancing collective maritime security.
The Saudi Ministry of Defense announced the coalition’s formal launch after a founding meeting convened in Riyadh the previous day. The founding participants include Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Sudan, Djibouti and Somalia alongside the host country. This grouping creates a coalition spanning Gulf and Horn of Africa states while remaining open to additional nations that endorse its objectives for safeguarding shared maritime interests.
According to the ministry’s statement the coalition focuses on enhancing maritime security and protecting freedom of navigation through critical passages such as the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab el-Mandeb Strait in compliance with international law and United Nations conventions. The arrangement is strictly defensive in nature and avoids targeting any specific state, alliance or organization. Officials finalized a draft charter and organizational framework during the session to support coordinated operations among members.
Arab News coverage of the ministry announcement indicated that military chiefs of staff from 43 countries participated in the inaugural meeting either in person or by video link together with a European Union delegation. Invitations had been issued to more than 50 countries and organizations to encourage wide engagement in the maritime security effort. Discussions addressed threats to vessels, maritime infrastructure and global trade routes while underscoring the value of multilateral collaboration.
The congratulatory exchange highlights the strong defense ties between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain both of which count among the alliance’s founding members. The Saudi Press Agency noted that the two sides also discussed several other matters of common interest during their conversation. Such communications align with routine high-level coordination between the neighboring kingdoms on regional security priorities.
The Saudi Ministry of Defense has presented the coalition as a platform to counter risks to international shipping and ensure uninterrupted global commerce through affected waterways. Regional coverage indicates the initiative responds to evolving security dynamics in West Asian maritime zones. The ministry has extended an open invitation for further countries to join as the group moves toward full operational capability in subsequent months.
