The Maldives has formally joined the Saudi-led Multinational Maritime Defence Coalition, expanding its security cooperation with Riyadh as countries seek to protect vital international shipping and energy routes across the Red Sea region.
Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy signed the coalition’s charter on behalf of the Maldives during a special ceremony held at Bandaara Koshi on Thursday.
The coalition focuses on strengthening maritime security and protecting freedom of navigation through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, strategic waterways connecting the Indian Ocean with the Mediterranean and carrying significant international trade and energy shipments.
Saudi Arabia launched the initiative following a July meeting in Riyadh attended by representatives from 43 countries and the European Union. The coalition is headquartered in Saudi Arabia and is intended to facilitate cooperation in areas including information sharing, operational planning, training, joint exercises and maritime operations.
Its formation comes amid heightened security threats to commercial shipping in the region, including attacks and threats by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement against vessels operating in and around the Red Sea. The disruptions have increased international concern over the security of one of the world’s most important maritime trade corridors.
The coalition has described itself as defensive and says its activities will be conducted in accordance with international law, respect for state sovereignty and the principles of freedom of navigation.
For the Maldives, participation is expected to broaden cooperation on the security of maritime routes used to transport essential imports while strengthening defence and security ties with Saudi Arabia.
Defence and National Service Minister Hassan Rasheed, Foreign Minister Irtisham Adam and Saudi Ambassador to the Maldives Yahya Hassan Al-Qahtani attended Thursday’s signing ceremony alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Maldives National Defence Force.
