Parliament approves Maldives’ entry into Saudi-led maritime alliance

The People's Majlis on Tuesday approved the Maldives' accession to a multinational maritime defence alliance led by Saudi Arabia and a group of partner nations aimed at enhancing security in key international shipping routes.

The decision was approved during a parliamentary sitting, with 58 members voting in favour of joining the alliance and signing the related agreement. One member voted against the proposal, while six members abstained.

The alliance was established on 30 July and comprises Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Pakistan, Djibouti, Somalia, Bangladesh, Yemen, Sudan and Comoros.

According to information presented to parliament, representatives from 43 countries attended the alliance's inaugural meeting. A total of 51 countries were invited to participate. The European Union was also represented at the meeting.

The United Arab Emirates and Oman did not sign the agreement.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defence has stated that the alliance is intended for defensive purposes and is not directed at any specific country.

According to the Saudi government, the alliance will focus on intelligence sharing, operational coordination, joint exercises and maritime monitoring.

The initiative was announced amid continuing security concerns in the Red Sea and surrounding waters following attacks on commercial vessels by Yemen's Houthi movement.

The attacks followed the group's declaration of a maritime blockade targeting Saudi Arabia.

The Bab al-Mandeb Strait, one of the world's key maritime routes, carries an estimated 10 to 12 per cent of global seaborne trade. The route has gained further importance as shipping and energy markets respond to disruptions linked to tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

The alliance is intended to strengthen cooperation among participating countries and improve the protection of vessels operating in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The parliamentary approval clears the way for the Maldives to formally join the alliance and participate in its activities.

The decision comes as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey have also entered into a separate defence cooperation agreement in response to security developments in the region.