Pakistan, Aug. 14 -- Thirteen countries have formally joined a Saudi led multinational maritime defence alliance. The announcement came during the coalition's third planning meeting in Jeddah. Representatives from 39 countries attended the meeting at the Western Fleet Command headquarters. Saudi Arabia said the alliance aims to strengthen maritime security and protect important shipping routes. It also seeks to safeguard freedom of navigation and support the security of global trade. The development comes as regional maritime tensions remain high.

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According to Saudi Arabia's Defence Ministry, 15 countries have signed the coalition's joint statement. However, ...