Dhaka: Bangladesh has officially joined a Saudi-led alliance aimed at addressing challenges posed by the Houthi movement, marking a significant step in its strategic relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Humaiun Kobir, underscored the importance of this alliance in leveraging Bangladesh’s resources to combat Houthi activities, emphasizing the strategic nature of the bilateral relationship.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Bangladesh is one of the fourteen nations that have expressed support for the multinational maritime defense alliance led by Saudi Arabia. This coalition aims to safeguard freedom of navigation through critical maritime routes such as the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. The collaborative effort is designed to strengthen collective maritime defense cooperation among participating countries, with the declaration remaining open for other interested states to join upon completing their national procedures.
Kobir highlighted that the relationship between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia transcends religious ties, with cooperation in security and tackling the Houthi challenge being key components of this partnership. The alliance, which includes countries like Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Egypt among others, is expected to bolster regional and international security and stability.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence stated that the alliance was established to enhance collective maritime defense capabilities. A recent meeting hosted by the Saudi Ministry of Defense saw broad participation from chiefs of staff and representatives from 43 countries, reflecting significant international interest in this initiative.
Discussions during the meeting addressed growing threats to maritime security, including attacks on commercial vessels and maritime infrastructure, emphasizing the need for enhanced multilateral defense cooperation. The multinational maritime defense alliance is poised to strengthen the collective ability to protect international sea lanes and promote global trade.
The draft charter of the alliance, along with its organizational structure and operating mechanisms, was reviewed during the meeting. Saudi Arabia will serve as the founding state and host the alliance’s headquarters, reinforcing its leadership role in promoting collective maritime security. Participants agreed to continue work on finalizing the alliance’s foundational procedures and organizational frameworks.
Saudi Arabia reiterated that the alliance is an open initiative welcoming countries that share its objectives and principles. The Kingdom emphasized the collective responsibility of safeguarding international sea lanes and the importance of sustainable international partnerships in addressing common threats.