Saudi Arabia has announced a new 14-country maritime defence alliance that includes Bangladesh. The coalition aims to protect key international shipping routes amid growing security concerns in the Middle East.
According to Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defence, the alliance will focus on ensuring safe navigation through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, while protecting global trade and energy supplies.
The member countries include Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Türkiye, Djibouti, Somalia, Yemen, Sudan and Comoros.
Saudi officials say the alliance will promote intelligence sharing, joint military exercises, operational coordination and maritime security missions.