Doha: Commander of the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition Rear Admiral Abdullah bin Salem Alshehri stated the alliance was purely defensive and not directed against any country, organization, or alliance.

According to Qatar News Agency, Alshehri emphasized that the coalition operates in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, in compliance with international law, while fully respecting the sovereignty of states and ensuring freedom of navigation through international maritime routes.

In a statement today, Alshehri highlighted Saudi Arabia's leadership in establishing the Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance to enhance maritime security and protect the global economy and shared maritime interests in the Bab Al Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.

Alshehri noted that Saudi Arabia's hosting of 43 countries at the alliance's founding meeting demonstrates broad international consensus that the security of international waterways was a shared responsibility, emphasizing the importance of multilateral defense cooperation and continuous coordination to ensure freedom of navigation and safeguard supply chains and energy supplies.

He further elaborated that several countries announced their accession to the alliance through the joint statement issued at the conclusion of the meeting, while other countries are continuing to complete their national procedures and arrangements ahead of joining. Membership remains open to all countries wishing to join the alliance.

The commander reiterated that the alliance aims to strengthen maritime security, ensure freedom of navigation, safeguard trade routes, supply chains, and energy resources, and protect shared maritime interests in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.