Coastal states convened in Djibouti this week to advance a coordinated maritime patrol framework covering the Bab-el-Mandeb chokepoint.
Officials from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Somalia and Djibouti attended the closed session, which focused on rules of engagement, intelligence sharing and a rotating command structure.
The talks follow a year of disruptions to Red Sea shipping that have rerouted an estimated 12% of global container traffic.
Diplomats present described the discussions as the most substantive yet, though no formal command has been announced.
A working group is expected to deliver a draft framework within sixty days.