Jeddah hosted the third planning session of the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition with representatives from 39 countries at the Western Fleet Command headquarters.
According to SPA, the meeting serves as a step toward activating the coalition. To date, 15 countries have signed the coalition’s joint statement, while 13 countries have completed their national procedures, signed the coalition charter, and officially announced their membership.
The institutional structure of the coalition has seen progress, including the appointment of a coalition commander from Saudi Arabia and an agreement that the first deputy commander will be from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The coalition has also designated a dedicated headquarters, approved its emblem, and completed organizational frameworks, planning, and reference documents.
The session helped finalize operational arrangements to activate the multinational command structure. This prepares for the reception of specialized officers and forces from member states to be integrated into the joint command and staff, the joint maritime operations and coordination center, and the coalition information center.
The coalition aims to strengthen collective maritime security, protect freedom of navigation and maritime straits, and support international trade and global supply chains.