JEDDAH — Thirteen countries have formally joined the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition (MMDC), marking its transition toward institutional and operational activation, as representatives from 39 countries gathered in Jeddah for the coalition’s third planning meeting.The meeting was held at the Western Fleet Command on Thursday, with the participation of representatives from 39 brotherly and friendly countries, in a key step toward activating the multinational coalition.A total of 15 countries have signed the joint statement, while 13 have completed their national procedures, signed the coalition charter and formally announced their accession. The remaining participating countries are continuing their domestic procedures required to join the coalition.The development comes alongside accelerated progress in establishing the coalition’s institutional framework, including the appointment of its commander from Saudi Arabia and an agreement that Pakistan will provide the deputy commander during the coalition’s first term.The coalition has also designated the headquarters for its command, approved its official logo, and completed organizational and planning frameworks and reference documents required to begin its operations.The third planning meeting advanced practical arrangements for activating the coalition’s multinational command and other bodies, paving the way for officers and personnel from member states to begin joining and integrating into its command and joint staff structure.Personnel will also be integrated into the Joint Maritime Operations and Coordination Center and the coalition’s intelligence center, accelerating the development of its operational capabilities and readiness to carry out defensive missions within its area of responsibility.The transition represents a significant step toward establishing a sustainable multinational maritime defense coalition aimed at strengthening collective maritime security, safeguarding freedom of navigation and maritime routes and strategic straits, and supporting the uninterrupted flow of international trade and global supply chains.With several countries completing their accession procedures and the coalition beginning to activate its command structure and institutions, the MMDC is moving from establishing frameworks and structures toward integrating the capabilities of its member states and achieving operational readiness.The coalition aims to develop a multinational defense partnership capable of enhancing maritime security and stability, protecting freedom of navigation and shared interests, and contributing to regional and international security in accordance with its charter, governing documents and international law.