Saudi Arabia appoints commander of multinational maritime defense alliance

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense announced on Thursday the appointment of Major General Abdullah al-Shehri as commander of the Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance.

The appointment forms part of efforts to complete the alliance’s founding arrangements and follows an earlier announcement issued on July 30, the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry described the appointment as a key step in establishing the alliance’s institutional structure and strengthening its operational readiness.

According to the statement, al-Shehri will lead the alliance’s joint maritime defense command and oversee planning and coordination among member states and with other maritime coalitions.

He will also supervise the implementation of joint activities and missions in accordance with the alliance’s charter, governing documents and established procedures.

The alliance’s responsibilities include supporting maritime security, protecting freedom of navigation, securing maritime corridors and strategic straits, and safeguarding international trade and global supply chains within its designated area of responsibility, the ministry said.

Saudi Arabia said the appointment would also support the establishment of the alliance’s command bodies and joint staff, while improving its ability to receive new members and conduct a range of maritime operations.

The alliance is expected to promote cooperation in areas including maritime security, information sharing, capacity building, training and joint exercises.

The ministry said additional countries had completed the process of signing the alliance’s joint declaration since its establishment was announced. Other states are still completing domestic procedures needed to sign the declaration and the alliance’s charter before formally joining as founding members.

The alliance remains open to countries whose objectives and principles align with its own, the statement said, adding that it continues to receive membership applications.

A supplementary statement will be issued listing the countries that have completed the signing process, according to the ministry.

The next stage of the alliance’s formation will include a meeting of military planners on August 12 and 13. The meeting will focus on completing institutional requirements and arranging for additional countries to sign the joint declaration and charter ahead of their formal accession.