RIYADH — Sudanese military official Lt. Gen. Yasser al-Atta joined defence chiefs from more than 40 countries in Riyadh for discussions on strengthening maritime security and exploring the formation of a defence coalition to protect Red Sea shipping routes.
The meeting focused on growing security challenges affecting one of the world’s most important maritime corridors, including threats to commercial shipping, regional instability, and the need for greater coordination among countries bordering or relying on the Red Sea trade route.
Al-Atta’s participation comes as Sudan remains at the center of regional security concerns due to its ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has created wider implications for neighbouring countries and international trade routes.
Participants discussed potential mechanisms for improving cooperation, sharing security information, and strengthening collective responses to threats affecting maritime traffic and economic activity in the Red Sea.
The Red Sea is a vital global shipping corridor connecting the Indian Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal, with millions of barrels of oil and large volumes of commercial goods passing through the route each year.
Regional security officials have increasingly emphasized the need for coordinated maritime protection as instability, armed conflicts, and attacks on shipping have raised concerns over the safety of international trade routes.
The Riyadh meeting reflects growing efforts by regional and international actors to enhance security cooperation and protect strategic waterways from emerging threats.
