Riyadh, August 06 (QNA) - Commander of the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition Rear Admiral Abdullah bin Salem Alshehri said the alliance was purely defensive and not directed against any country, organization, or alliance.

He added that it 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, Al Shehri said Saudi Arabia was leading an international initiative to establish 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.

He said 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, and that multilateral defense cooperation and continuous coordination were the cornerstones of ensuring freedom of navigation and safeguarding supply chains and energy supplies.

Al Shehri said 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. He added that membership remains open to all countries wishing to join the alliance.

The commander of the Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance said 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. (QNA)