Fahd Al-Ghafili calls for international cooperation to secure maritime corridors

Fahd Al-Ghafili, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of Saudi Arabia, emphasized that maritime security is a shared international responsibility during the Manama Dialogue 2026 forum in Bahrain. He highlighted that vital waterways, including the Arabian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden, serve as essential arteries for the global economy, energy security, and food supply chains.

Al-Ghafili noted that Houthi attacks on commercial vessels and oil tankers since 2023, alongside disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, underscore the severity of maritime threats. He argued that such instability directly impacts international trade and global markets, necessitating a collective response to protect shipping lanes and ensure regional stability.

Regarding Saudi Arabia's role, Al-Ghafili referenced the launch of an international initiative that established the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition (MMDC). To date, 14 countries have joined the coalition, with others expressing interest. He stated that the Saudi vision for maritime security is built on respecting national sovereignty, ensuring freedom of navigation under international law, and rejecting the use of maritime corridors as tools for political pressure or military escalation.