Erdogan-Saudi Prince Discuss Regional Issues
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed recent regional developments with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a phone call. Erdogan welcomed the formation of the Saudi-led global maritime defence coalition and expressed hope for its success. He also strongly condemned Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea.
The coalition was formed after Houthi attacks targeted four tankers and key Saudi oil facilities, including Jizan and Yanbu. The alliance aims to protect international trade and energy routes, ensure maritime security, and maintain freedom of navigation along vital waterways linking the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean. Representatives from 43 of the 51 invited countries, along with a European Union delegation, attended the founding meetings.
The initiative comes amid rising regional tensions. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil and gas shipments, has been affected by the US-Iran conflict, while Iran-backed Houthi fighters continue attacks on shipping lanes in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Turkey, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Pakistan, Djibouti, Somalia, Bangladesh, Yemen, Sudan, and the Comoros have joined the agreement. Oman and the UAE have declined to participate. Coordination with existing missions, including the EU’s “Aspides” naval operation, remains a priority.
