NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration with Europe to safeguard supply chains for food, energy, and commodities. He made these remarks in New York on September 24 during the second ministerial session of the Rome Coalition for fertiliser access and food security. Albudaiwi pointed out that disruptions at sea and rising transportation expenses are impacting international trade. Additionally, he noted that these challenges are fueling increased prices for goods and food across various regions, including Europe and the Gulf.
The ministerial event was hosted by Italy and Croatia on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Croatia is currently serving as the president of the MED9 group. The gathering brought together representatives from MED9 nations, the Arab League, the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and European bodies. Officials from the Gulf and the United Nations also participated. The discussion centered on issues related to food security, fertiliser access, and the movement of vital goods through key trade corridors. Participants examined pressures along routes through the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Black Sea.
Albudaiwi highlighted that Gulf countries are bolstering their supply chain resilience by investing in ports, pipelines, railways, roads, and strategic storage facilities. He called for increased cooperation to mitigate risks impacting maritime transport and shipping insurance. Priority should be given to shipments of food, fertilisers, and fuel during periods of disruption, he stressed. He also reaffirmed Gulf states’ commitment to supporting dependable exports under current security conditions. These remarks underscored the importance of transport infrastructure, storage capacity, and continuous trade flows in the region’s food and energy security strategy.
Focus remains on food and fertiliser supply routes
The Rome Coalition meeting also explored strategies to maintain open and predictable international trade during disruptions in transportation. Attendees endorsed expanding the use of alternative routes and developing regional storage networks. They discussed investments in port infrastructure and land transport systems. The talks prominently featured cooperation among producer, transit, and importing countries. Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General Qu Dongyu participated in the discussions, which also considered the role of international organizations in bolstering food security and fertiliser availability.
Albudaiwi called for advancement in economic collaboration between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union. He pointed out key areas such as trade, regulatory alignment, electricity interconnections, clean hydrogen, and investment opportunities. The European Commission is currently conducting a sustainability impact assessment related to potential trade agreements with Gulf nations. This consultation, which began in June, is ongoing until October 19. Furthermore, the EU has launched separate free trade negotiations with the United Arab Emirates as part of its broader economic engagement within the Gulf region.
Upcoming Gulf-EU summit emphasizes trade cooperation
The second summit between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union is scheduled for October 24 in Saudi Arabia. This meeting continues ongoing discussions on trade, energy, investment, and regulatory cooperation. European institutions are reviewing various options for future commercial agreements with Gulf nations, including regional arrangements and bilateral deals. Albudaiwi expressed that the summit should foster structured dialogue on issues affecting trade, connectivity, and supply flows between the two regions, with a focus on practical economic cooperation.
The New York gathering followed the inaugural Rome Coalition event held in Rome on May 7, 2026. Italy and Croatia highlighted that the recent session concentrated on safeguarding food and fertiliser supply chains from maritime pressure. Participants also stressed the significance of transport resilience, adequate storage capacity, and ensuring dependable trade flows. The discussions brought together governments, regional organizations, and international institutions united by shared concerns over supply security. Central to the agenda were issues related to food security, fertiliser access, and the reliable movement of essential goods.