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Parliament sitting held today - Photo: Majlis

MALÉ: The People’s Majlis has voted to approve the Maldives joining a multinational maritime defense alliance led by Saudi Arabia and 13 other partner nations to protect shipping routes in the Gulf region.

During today’s parliamentary session, 58 members voted in favor of joining the alliance and signing its treaty, while one member voted against and six members abstained.

Details of the Maritime Alliance

Formed on July 30, the Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance was established by Saudi Arabia alongside Turkey, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Pakistan, Djibouti, Somalia, Bangladesh, Yemen, Sudan, and Comoros.

Key details regarding the framework include:

• Participation: Delegates from 43 out of 51 invited countries — including the European Union — attended the inaugural meeting. The United Arab Emirates and Oman did not sign the agreement.

• Defensive Focus: The Saudi Ministry of Defense stated the alliance is strictly defensive and does not target any specific nation.

• Planned Operations: Activities will center on intelligence sharing, joint operational planning, military training exercises, and monitoring maritime activities.

Strategic Importance of Shipping Routes

The alliance was formed amid growing security concerns following repeated attacks on vessels in the Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthi movement, which declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia.

The Bab al-Mandab Strait carries roughly 10 to 12 percent of global maritime trade. Its strategic importance has heightened due to conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which has affected shipping and energy exports through the Strait of Hormuz.

As part of wider regional security measures, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey also recently signed a joint defense agreement to enhance regional stability.