Al-Maliki: Maritime Coalition protects sea lanes and global economy

RIYADH — Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki, spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense, affirmed that the announcement of the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition reflects a shared international understanding of the scale of threats facing maritime security and freedom of navigation, and embodies a collective responsibility to protect maritime routes and global economic interests.Maj. Gen. Al-Maliki said that the region and the world are facing real and emerging threats. “Every country has the right to take whatever military or political measures it deems necessary to protect its interests and address such threats,” he said. The spokesperson affirmed the existence of continuous coordination among the countries bordering the Red Sea to enhance the security of maritime routes and protect shared interests. He pointed out that Saudi Arabia, through its experience in the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, has achieved significant accomplishments in eliminating maritime threats, including countering unmanned UAVs, fast boats, and naval mines. He emphasized that maintaining maritime security is a collective responsibility that is not limited to coastal states, but extends to all countries that benefit from the security and stability of maritime routes.Maj. Gen. Al-Maliki stressed that protecting international shipping lanes and oil tankers represents a fundamental pillar of global economic stability. “Any terrorist acts or threats targeting maritime security affect the entire international community. This requires strengthening international cooperation and coordination to confront such threats, contributing to the security and stability of maritime routes,” he said.