Maldives has joined Saudi Arabia-led Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition.
Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF)’s Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy signed the coalition charter on behalf of the Maldives at a ceremony held in Male’ on 16 September.
The coalition was formed in accordance with international law, UN treaties and international relations principles. It consists of countries that maintain close relations with Saudi Arabia. The Maldives joining the coalition is expected to strengthen brotherly relations between Maldives and Saudi Arabia, as well as expand the Maldives’ role in protecting national interests by contributing to ensuring the security of maritime routes used to transport goods.
The signing ceremony was attended by the Minister of Defence and National Service Hassan Rasheed, Minister of Foreign Affairs Iruthisham Adam, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the Maldives Yahya Hassan Al-Qahtani as well as senior officials from the Foreign Ministry and MNDF.