NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasized the need for closer cooperation with Europe to safeguard supply chains for food, energy, and commodities. Speaking in New York on September 24 during the second ministerial gathering of the Rome Coalition for fertiliser access and food security, Albudaiwi highlighted how maritime disruptions and rising transportation costs are impacting global trade. He pointed out that these pressures are driving up commodity and food prices not only in Europe but across the Gulf region as well.
Italy and Croatia hosted the ministerial session on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Croatia is currently presiding over the MED9. The meeting gathered representatives from MED9 nations, the Arab League, the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and European institutions, with Gulf and UN officials participating as well. Discussions centered on food security, fertiliser access, and the movement of vital goods along key trade routes, including the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Black Sea.
Albudaiwi stated that Gulf countries are bolstering supply chain resilience through investments in ports, pipelines, railways, roads, and strategic reserves. He called for increased cooperation to mitigate risks affecting maritime transport and shipping insurance, stressing that shipments of food, fertiliser, and fuel should be prioritized during disruptions. He reaffirmed the Gulf states’ commitment to maintaining dependable exports amid prevailing security conditions, emphasizing transport infrastructure, storage capacity, and trade continuity as vital to regional food and energy security.
Routes for Food and Fertiliser Remain a Central Focus
The Rome Coalition also discussed strategies to keep international trade flowing smoothly during transport disturbances. Participants endorsed expanding alternative routes and regional storage networks, alongside investing in port infrastructure and land transport links. The importance of cooperation among producer, transit, and importing nations was a key topic. Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General Qu Dongyu attended the meeting, which also explored the role of international institutions in ensuring food security and fertiliser access.
Albudaiwi urged progress in economic collaboration between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union, highlighting areas such as trade, regulation, electricity connectivity, clean hydrogen, and investment. The European Commission is currently conducting a sustainability impact assessment related to potential trade agreements with Gulf nations, with consultations running from June to October 19. Additionally, the EU is negotiating a separate free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates as part of its broader engagement with the Gulf region.
Upcoming Gulf-EU Summit to Focus on Trade Relations
The second Gulf Cooperation Council and European Union summit is scheduled for October 24 in Saudi Arabia. It will follow ongoing discussions on trade, energy, investment, and regulatory cooperation. European officials have been exploring options for future commercial agreements with Gulf countries, including regional arrangements and bilateral treaties. Albudaiwi noted that the summit should promote structured dialogue on issues affecting trade, connectivity, and supply flows, while emphasizing practical economic collaboration.
This meeting in New York followed the initial Rome Coalition gathering in Rome on May 7, 2026. Italy and Croatia emphasized that the latest session focused on safeguarding food and fertiliser supply chains from pressure on major maritime routes. Participants also highlighted the importance of transport resilience, storage capacity, and stable trade flows. Governments, regional groups, and international organizations united around shared concerns over supply security, with food security, fertiliser access, and reliable availability of essential goods remaining at the forefront of discussions.