NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasized the need for increased 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 pointed out that disruptions at sea and rising transportation expenses were impacting global trade. Furthermore, he noted these issues were driving up the costs of commodities and food across various regions, including Europe and the Gulf.
Italy and Croatia hosted the ministerial event alongside the 81st United Nations General Assembly, with Croatia currently holding the MED9 presidency. Representatives from MED9 nations, the Arab League, the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and European institutions participated, along with officials from the Gulf and the United Nations. The discussions centered on food security, fertiliser access, and the movement of vital goods through key trade routes. Participants examined pressures around the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Black Sea.
Albudaiwi highlighted that Gulf nations are bolstering the resilience of their supply chains through investments in ports, pipelines, railways, roads, and strategic storage facilities. He also called for enhanced cooperation to mitigate risks affecting maritime transport and shipping insurance, stating that shipments of food, fertiliser, and fuel should be prioritized during disruptions. He reaffirmed that Gulf states remain dedicated 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 strategies.
Trade routes for food and fertilisers remain a key focus of discussions
The Rome Coalition gathering also explored strategies to ensure open and predictable international trade amid transport disruptions. Participants endorsed increased use of alternative routes and the development of regional storage networks. Investment in port facilities and land transport infrastructure was also a major topic. Emphasis was placed on cooperation among producer, transit, and importing countries. The meeting was attended by Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General Qu Dongyu, and also addressed the role of international organizations in promoting food security and fertiliser access.
Albudaiwi called for progress in economic ties between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union, highlighting sectors such as trade, regulation, electricity interconnections, clean hydrogen, and investment as areas requiring further development. The European Commission is currently conducting a sustainability impact assessment related to potential trade agreements with Gulf nations, a process that began in June and runs until October 19. Additionally, the EU has initiated separate free trade negotiations with the United Arab Emirates as part of its broader commercial engagement with the Gulf region.
Upcoming Gulf-EU summit emphasizes commercial ties
The second summit between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union is scheduled for October 24 in Saudi Arabia. The event follows ongoing discussions about trade, energy, investment, and regulatory cooperation. European bodies have been exploring options for future trade agreements with Gulf nations, including regional pacts and bilateral deals. Albudaiwi expressed that the summit should foster structured dialogue on issues impacting commerce, connectivity, and supply chains between the two regions while maintaining a focus on practical economic collaboration.
The New York meeting was a follow-up to the initial Rome Coalition gathering held in Rome on May 7, 2026. Italy and Croatia emphasized that the latest session concentrated on protecting food and fertiliser supply chains from pressures on major maritime routes. Participants also underscored the importance of transport resilience, storage capacity, and ensuring stable trade flows. The discussions brought together governments, regional organizations, and international institutions around shared concerns related to supply. The core agenda items remained food security, fertiliser availability, and reliable access to essential goods.