Riyadh, July 30 (SANA)Saudi Arabia has announced plans to establish a multinational maritime defense alliance after 14 countries agreed to join the initiative.

The proposed coalition is intended to strengthen maritime security, protect international shipping routes and support freedom of navigation and global commerce.

Saudi officials said military representatives from 43 countries discussed the alliance’s structure, command arrangements and operational framework during a meeting in Riyadh.

The Kingdom is expected to host the alliance’s headquarters, while additional countries may join after completing their domestic approval procedures.