NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation with Europe to safeguard food, energy, and commodity supply chains. Speaking in New York on September 24 during the second ministerial gathering of the Rome Coalition for fertiliser access and food security, he highlighted how maritime disruptions and rising transportation costs are impacting global trade. He further noted that these pressures are fueling higher prices for commodities and food across various regions, including Europe and the Gulf.
Italy and Croatia hosted this ministerial event on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, with Croatia currently holding the MED9 presidency. The meeting gathered representatives from MED9 nations, the Arab League, the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and European institutions, along with officials from the Gulf and the United Nations. The discussion focused on food security, fertiliser access, and the movement of vital goods through key trade corridors, with participants reviewing tensions around the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Black Sea.
Albudaiwi stated that Gulf nations are bolstering supply chain resilience through investments in ports, pipelines, railways, roads, and strategic reserves. He also called for increased cooperation to mitigate risks impacting maritime transport and shipping insurance. He stressed that during disruptions, shipments of food, fertiliser, and fuel should be prioritized, reaffirming Gulf states’ commitment to supporting dependable exports amid prevailing security conditions. His comments underscored the importance of transport infrastructure, storage capacity, and trade continuity in the region’s food and energy security strategies.
Food and fertiliser routes remain central to talks
The Rome Coalition assembly also explored strategies to maintain open and predictable international trade during periods of transportation disturbances. Participants endorsed expanding alternative routes and strengthening regional storage networks, alongside investing in port infrastructure and land transport links. The discussions prominently featured cooperation among producers, transit, and importing countries. Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General Qu Dongyu participated in the meeting, which also examined the role of international organizations in supporting food security and fertiliser access.
Albudaiwi additionally called for progress in economic collaboration between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union, highlighting trade, regulation, electricity interconnections, clean hydrogen, and investment as key areas for 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 will continue 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.
Gulf-EU summit emphasizes trade cooperation
The upcoming second summit between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union is scheduled for October 24 in Saudi Arabia. This meeting will continue discussions on trade, energy, investment, and regulatory cooperation, with European institutions reviewing options for future commercial agreements, including regional arrangements and bilateral treaties. Albudaiwi expressed that the summit should foster structured dialogue on measures influencing trade, connectivity, and supply flows, while maintaining a focus on practical economic cooperation.
The New York event followed the initial Rome Coalition gathering on May 7, 2026. Italy and Croatia highlighted that this latest session centered on protecting food and fertiliser supply chains from pressures on significant maritime routes. Participants underscored the importance of transport resilience, storage capacity, and reliable trade flows. The meeting brought together governments, regional organizations, and international institutions to address shared supply concerns, keeping food security, fertiliser availability, and steady access to essential goods at the forefront of the agenda.