Riyadh, August 06 (QNA) - Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al Malki, said the announcement of the Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance reflected a shared international recognition of the scale of the threats facing maritime security and freedom of navigation, and embodies a collective responsibility to protect maritime routes and global economic interests.

Speaking to the media today, Al Malki said the region and the world face both existing and emerging threats. He noted that every country has the right to take whatever military or political measures it deems necessary to protect its interests and address those threats, adding that there was ongoing coordination among the Red Sea littoral states to enhance the security of maritime routes and safeguard shared interests.

The Saudi Defense Ministry spokesman stressed that protecting international shipping lanes and oil tankers was a cornerstone of global economic stability.

He said any terrorist acts or threats targeting maritime security have repercussions for the entire international community, underscoring the need to strengthen international cooperation and coordination to confront such threats and ensure the security and stability of maritime routes.

He added that, through its experience in the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, Saudi Arabia has achieved significant successes in countering maritime threats, including intercepting drones, fast attack boats, and naval mines.

He emphasized that maintaining maritime security was a shared responsibility that extends beyond littoral states to include all countries that benefit from the security and stability of international maritime routes. (QNA)