Riyadh: (RightNow) Saudi Arabia has established a maritime defense coalition in the Red Sea to ensure the safety of shipping. This coalition includes 13 other countries to secure navigation in the region.

The Saudi Ministry of Defense stated that representatives from 43 countries, including Pakistan, and the European Union attended the proposed coalition’s meeting. Discussions were held on Saudi Arabia’s role as the founder and leader, and it was decided to establish the headquarters in Saudi Arabia.

This coalition aims to enhance defensive cooperation in the Bab al-Mandab, Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden. A joint declaration was issued by 14 countries, including Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Sudan, under Saudi leadership.

The joint declaration was signed by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Yemen, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Somalia. The coalition remains open to more countries, while some are completing their internal legal processes.

It is noteworthy that this development comes at a time when the shipping crisis in the Red Sea has intensified. Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers forced Saudi Arabia to alter its oil export routes.