Maldives Joins Saudi-led Coalition to Secure Global Maritime Trade Routes

The Maldives has officially joined the Saudi Arabia-led Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition, aiming to bolster the security of critical international shipping lanes. Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of Defence Force of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), signed the coalition charter during a formal ceremony held in Malé on September 16. Established in alignment with international law and United Nations treaties, the coalition brings together nations that maintain strategic and diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia. By joining this alliance, the Maldives seeks to enhance its role in safeguarding maritime routes essential for the global transport of goods, thereby protecting its own national economic interests. Beyond security objectives, the partnership is expected to deepen the fraternal relations between Malé and Riyadh. As an archipelago dependent on sea-based trade and tourism, the Maldives' participation underscores its commitment to maritime stability and the collective defense of oceanic corridors against emerging threats. The signing event was attended by a high-level delegation, including Minister of Defence and National Service Hassan Rasheed and Minister of Foreign Affairs Iruthisham Adam. Representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was Ambassador Yahya Hassan Al-Qahtani, alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the MNDF.