The initiative was unveiled during a summit hosted by the Saudi Foreign Ministry in Riyadh, attended by representatives from over 35 countries—including the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, China, Japan, the European Union, Gulf Arab states, and Yemen’s exiled government.

British Ambassador to Yemen, Abdo Sharif, explained that the goal of this maritime security partnership is to address serious threats such as smuggling and piracy, while also promoting regional stability and safeguarding global trade routes.

Under the ten-year plan, participating nations will provide financial aid and military equipment to enhance the capabilities of Yemen’s coast guard. Saudi Arabia has taken the lead by pledging $4 million in aid, along with a package of training and military gear for the Yemeni forces.

The initiative, titled “Partnership for Yemen’s Maritime Security,” is being spearheaded by Saudi Ambassador Mohammed Al Jaber and British Ambassador Abdo Sharif. Despite broad international participation in the launch event, substantial military and financial support is unlikely to materialize within the current calendar year. However, growing economic pressure from the naval blockade in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden may eventually compel the EU and other U.S.-Israeli allies to take more decisive action in Yemen.

Over the past two years, the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have become focal points for Yemeni armed forces targeting commercial and military vessels linked to Israeli, American, and British interests. These operations—carried out in solidarity with the Palestinian cause—have included more than 215 maritime attacks using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones, and explosive-laden unmanned surface vessels.

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