Sudan and Yemen agree to bolster Red Sea maritime security cooperation
August 1, 2026 (KHARTOUM) — Sudan and Yemen agreed on Saturday to boost security cooperation among Red Sea coastal states to protect international shipping lanes following a series of attacks on maritime traffic.
The agreement comes amid rising threats to Red Sea shipping after Yemen’s Houthi movement declared a naval blockade on Saudi-linked vessels on July 20 and launched strikes on ships in the waterway.
Sudanese Foreign Minister Mohieddin Salim discussed regional developments during a phone call with Yemen’s newly appointed Foreign Minister, Afrah Abdulaziz Al-Zouba, Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement.
Both ministers called for enhanced coordination among Red Sea nations to protect navigation and support regional stability under a shared responsibility framework, according to the statement.
The discussion follows a meeting last week where Sudanese Army Deputy Commander-in-Chief Yasir Al-Atta joined military leaders from Yemen and other regional states to draft plans for a Saudi-led coalition. The force aims to protect shipping routes in the Red Sea and the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry said those talks focused on maritime security threats, the coalition draft charter, command structure, and future operations.
Salim highlighted historical ties between Khartoum and Sanaa, reaffirming Sudan’s commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation, the statement added.