Manama:Deputy Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Fahd Al-Ghufaili led the Ministry of Defense delegation at the 22nd Regional Security Summit, known as the IISS Manama Dialogue 2026. The summit gathered international delegations, including ministers, security officials, and military commanders, to discuss regional security issues.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Al-Ghufaili highlighted the critical nature of international cooperation in safeguarding vital maritime corridors. He underscored the necessity of ensuring freedom of navigation and the safety of international trade, emphasizing that maritime security is a shared responsibility that necessitates coordinated international efforts.
Al-Ghufaili pointed out that any disruption in key areas like the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, or Gulf of Aden could significantly impact global trade, energy markets, and food security. He cited Houthi attacks on commercial vessels and oil tankers, along with disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz since 2023, as evidence of the serious maritime threats that require an effective collective response.
He also detailed Saudi Arabia's recent initiative, launched on July 30, 2026, which led to the creation of the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition. This coalition has attracted participation from 14 countries, with additional countries expressing interest in joining after completing national procedures.
Al-Ghufaili emphasized the importance of cooperation, coordination, and information sharing to protect maritime infrastructures and shipping lanes. He advocated for joint capacity building and preventive measures to avert crises, highlighting the primacy of the rule of law over force and the importance of resolving disputes without threatening navigation freedom or trade safety.
He described Saudi Arabia's vision for maritime security as one that respects state sovereignty and legal rights while ensuring navigation freedom in line with international law. This vision rejects the use of maritime routes for coercion or escalation and condemns attacks on commercial and civilian maritime facilities.
Al-Ghufaili concluded by reaffirming that maritime security, navigation freedom, and the stability of international waterways are collective responsibilities. He called for a sustainable regional maritime security framework focused on prevention, early warning, information sharing, and operational coordination to address threats proactively.
