NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasized the need for closer cooperation with Europe to safeguard supply chains related to 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 are impacting global trade routes. He also pointed out that these issues are driving up prices for commodities 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, with Croatia currently holding the MED9 presidency. The gathering included delegates from MED9 nations, the Arab League, the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and European institutions, along with officials from the Gulf and the United Nations. Discussions centered on food security, fertiliser access, and the movement of vital goods through key trade corridors, with particular attention to pressures around the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Black Sea.
Albudaiwi stated that Gulf countries are working to bolster the resilience of supply chains through investments in ports, pipelines, railways, roads, and strategic stockpiles. He also called for enhanced cooperation to mitigate risks impacting maritime transport and shipping insurance. During disruptions, priority should be given to shipments of food, fertiliser, and fuel, he stressed. He reaffirmed Gulf states’ dedication to supporting dependable exports amid prevailing security conditions, highlighting transport infrastructure, storage capabilities, and trade continuity as crucial elements in the region’s food and energy security agenda.
Focus on Food and Fertiliser Supply Routes Remains Central
The Rome Coalition’s discussions also involved strategies to maintain stable and predictable international trade during transport disruptions. Participants endorsed increased utilization of alternative routes and expansion of regional storage facilities. They examined investments in port infrastructure and land transport links, emphasizing cooperation among producer, transit, and importing nations. Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General Qu Dongyu participated in the meeting, which also addressed the role of international bodies in supporting food security and fertiliser access.
Albudaiwi further called for progress in economic collaboration between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union. He identified trade, regulation, electricity interconnections, clean hydrogen, and investment as key areas for development. The European Commission is currently conducting a sustainability impact assessment related to potential trade agreements with Gulf nations, with the consultation period open from June until October 19. Additionally, the EU has initiated separate free trade negotiations with the United Arab Emirates as part of its broader engagement with the Gulf region.
Gulf-EU Summit to Highlight Trade and Connectivity Initiatives
Scheduled for October 24 in Saudi Arabia, the upcoming Gulf Cooperation Council and European Union summit aims to advance 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 foster structured dialogue on trade, connectivity, and supply flow issues, while emphasizing the importance of practical economic cooperation.
The meeting in New York followed the initial Rome Coalition gathering on May 7, 2026, in Rome. Italy and Croatia highlighted that the recent session focused on protecting food and fertiliser supply chains from pressures on key maritime routes. Participants underscored the significance of transport resilience, storage capacity, and maintaining reliable trade flows. Governments, regional organizations, and international agencies converged around shared concerns over supply security, keeping food security, fertiliser availability, and access to essential goods at the forefront of the agenda.