Al-Shehri: Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition is purely defensive and not targeting anybody

Rear Adm. Abdullah bin Salem Al-Shehri, the commanding officer of the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition, stated that the coalition's primary goal is to bolster maritime security and protect global economic and collective maritime interests in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. Al-Shehri made this declaration during a briefing to the Saudi Press Agency, as he assumed his role.

He emphasized that Saudi Arabia, under the leadership directives, initiated the coalition to address the stated objective. The presence of 43 nations at the coalition's inaugural meeting, he said, is a clear indication of the widespread international consensus that the security of international waters is a shared responsibility.

Al-Shehri further explained that multilateral defense cooperation and consistent coordination are vital to maintaining freedom of navigation and securing global supply chains and energy resources. He also mentioned that several countries disclosed their intention to join the coalition upon the meeting's conclusion, according to a joint statement. The remaining countries are still finalizing their internal arrangements and procedures for entry, with membership open to any nation interested in joining the coalition.

Al-Shehri highlighted that Saudi Arabia's provision of the coalition's headquarters and command reflects its leadership role in enhancing regional and international security, as well as its pioneering role in establishing effective alliances to counter shared maritime threats and challenges. He reiterated that the coalition's purpose is to improve maritime security, safeguard navigation freedom, secure trade routes, supply chains, and energy resources, and shield shared maritime interests in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.

The admiral emphasized that the coalition is strictly defensive and does not target any country, organization, or coalition. Instead, it functions in alignment with the principles and goals outlined in the United Nations Charter, in full compliance with international law, while respecting state sovereignty and ensuring freedom of navigation through international waterways.