NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasized the need for increased cooperation with Europe to safeguard international supply networks from maritime disruptions and escalating transportation expenses. During his speech in New York on September 24, Albudaiwi highlighted how rising freight costs are influencing commodity and food prices. His remarks were made at the second ministerial meeting of the Rome Coalition for fertiliser access and food security, held during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The gathering assembled ministers and senior officials from the MED9 group, the Arab League, Western Balkan nations, Ukraine, the European Union, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the United Nations. Italy and Croatia served as hosts, with Croatia acting as the current MED9 president. The participants concentrated on the pressures impacting food, fertiliser, and agricultural trade, while also discussing disruptions around strategic maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, the Red Sea, and the Black Sea.
Albudaiwi stated that GCC countries are actively working to enhance supply chain resilience through pipelines, ports, rail systems, roads, and strategic reserves. He urged for joint efforts to mitigate risks related to shipping and maritime insurance, emphasizing that urgent measures are needed for food, fertiliser, and fuel shipments during periods of instability. The GCC Secretary-General also reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to preserving exports within the security limits prevailing at any given time.
Wider Focus on Supply Routes and Food Security
The Rome Coalition meeting underscored the interconnectedness of maritime security, logistical operations, and access to vital agricultural inputs. Attendees endorsed initiatives to keep trade routes open and predictable, while easing transportation barriers and promoting diversification of supply channels. Strengthening regional production and storage capabilities was also a key topic. Discussions involved cooperation among producing, transit, and importing nations, alongside investments in ports and transport infrastructure. UN officials, including Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General Qu Dongyu, participated in the dialogue.
Albudaiwi further called for progress on the trade and regulatory agenda between the GCC and the European Union, including proposals for free trade negotiations, electrical grid integration, clean hydrogen projects, and increased investment. The European Commission is currently conducting a sustainability impact assessment related to potential trade agreements with GCC nations, with the consultation open from June until October 19. Additionally, the EU has initiated bilateral free trade negotiations with the United Arab Emirates.
Upcoming GCC-EU Summit to Focus on Trade and Connectivity
The European Union and the GCC are scheduled to convene their second summit in Saudi Arabia on October 24, 2026. Albudaiwi expressed that this meeting should promote structured dialogue on economic and regulatory issues affecting trade and supply flows. This summit builds on ongoing collaboration between the two regions on commerce, energy, and investment. European institutions are also exploring future trade arrangements with GCC members, including potential regional or bilateral agreements covering trade, investment, and regulatory cooperation.
The discussions in New York followed the initial Rome Coalition meeting, which took place in Rome on May 7, 2026. Italy and Croatia highlighted that the focus was on protecting food and fertiliser supply chains amidst pressures on key maritime corridors. Participants stressed the importance of international coordination and cooperation with organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization, regional bodies, and financial institutions. The meeting prioritized transport resilience, storage capacity, and reliable trade flows as essential elements to ensure continued access to critical goods.