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. His remarks came in New York on September 24, during the second ministerial session of the Rome Coalition for fertiliser access and food security. Albudaiwi highlighted that disruptions at sea and rising transportation expenses were impacting global trade routes. Additionally, he pointed out that these issues are driving up prices for commodities and food in various regions, including Europe and the Gulf.
The ministerial meeting was hosted by Italy and Croatia on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Croatia is currently presiding over the MED9 group. Attendees included representatives from MED9 nations, the Arab League, the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and European institutions. Gulf officials and UN representatives also participated. The discussions centered on food security, fertiliser access, and the movement of essential goods through key trade corridors. They specifically examined tensions along the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Black Sea.
Albudaiwi stated that Gulf countries are bolstering the resilience of their supply chains through investments in ports, pipelines, railways, roads, and strategic reserves. He also called for increased cooperation to mitigate risks associated with maritime transport and shipping insurance. He emphasized that shipments of food, fertiliser, and fuel should be prioritized during disruptions. Furthermore, he reaffirmed Gulf states’ commitment to supporting dependable exports under current security conditions. These comments underscored the importance of transport infrastructure, storage capacity, and trade continuity in the region’s food and energy security agenda.
Maintaining Food and Fertiliser Supply Routes Remains a Priority in Discussions
The Rome Coalition meeting also explored strategies to ensure that international trade remains open and predictable amid transport disruptions. Participants endorsed increased use of alternative routes and reinforced regional storage networks. They also discussed expanding ports and land transport infrastructure. Collaboration among producer, transit, and importing countries was a key focus. Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General Qu Dongyu attended the session, which also examined how international institutions can support food security and fertiliser access.
Albudaiwi urged progress in economic ties between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union. He emphasized areas such as trade, regulations, electricity interconnections, clean hydrogen, and investment. The European Commission is currently conducting a sustainability impact assessment related to potential trade agreements with Gulf nations. This process, launched in June, runs until October 19. The EU has also initiated separate free trade negotiations with the United Arab Emirates as part of its broader commercial strategy in the Gulf region.
Upcoming Gulf-EU Summit to Focus on Strengthening Trade Relations
The second summit between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union is scheduled for October 24 in Saudi Arabia. The gathering aims to continue discussions on trade, energy, investment, and regulatory cooperation. European institutions are exploring options for future commercial agreements with Gulf countries, including regional arrangements and bilateral deals. Albudaiwi expressed that the summit should promote structured dialogue on economic measures affecting trade, connectivity, and supply flows, while maintaining a focus on practical cooperation.
The New York meeting followed the first Rome Coalition event held in Rome on May 7, 2026. Italy and Croatia highlighted that the recent session centered on protecting food and fertiliser supply chains from pressures on major maritime routes. Participants also emphasized the importance of transport resilience, storage capacity, and reliable trade flows. The gathering brought together governments, regional organizations, and international institutions to address shared supply concerns. Food security, fertiliser availability, and dependable access to essential goods remained at the heart of the agenda.