NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasized the need for increased cooperation with Europe to safeguard worldwide supply chains against maritime disruptions and escalating transportation expenses. During his address in New York on September 24, Albudaiwi noted that rising freight costs are contributing to increases in commodity and food prices. His remarks were made at the second ministerial session of the Rome Coalition for fertiliser access and food security, convened during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
This 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 hosted the event, with Croatia serving as the current MED9 presidency. The participants discussed the pressures impacting food, fertiliser, and agricultural trade, as well as disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, the Red Sea, and the Black Sea.
Albudaiwi stated that GCC nations are actively working to enhance the resilience of supply chains via pipelines, ports, rail systems, roads, and strategic reserves. He also urged for coordinated initiatives to mitigate risks to shipping and maritime insurance. During periods of disturbance, urgent attention should be given to cargoes of food, fertiliser, and fuel, he added. Additionally, the GCC Secretary-General reaffirmed the bloc’s dedication to maintaining exports within the bounds dictated by current security conditions.
Wider Focus on Supply Routes and Food Security
The Rome Coalition meeting underscored the interconnectedness of maritime security, logistics, and access to vital agricultural supplies. Participants endorsed efforts to keep trade open and predictable, while working to ease transportation constraints and diversify supply routes. They also supported bolstering regional production and storage capabilities. Discussions covered cooperation among producing, transit, and importing nations, along with investments in ports and transportation 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. His proposals included free trade negotiations, electrical grid interconnections, clean hydrogen initiatives, and investment opportunities. Currently, the European Commission is conducting a sustainability impact assessment related to potential trade agreements with GCC countries. The consultation, which opened in June, will run until October 19. Meanwhile, the EU has initiated separate bilateral free trade negotiations with the United Arab Emirates.
GCC-EU Summit to Focus on Trade and Connectivity
A second summit between the GCC and European Union is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia on October 24, 2026. Albudaiwi expressed that this meeting should promote structured dialogue on economic and regulatory measures influencing trade and supply flows. This summit builds on ongoing collaborations in commerce, energy, and investment between the two regions. European institutions are also exploring options for 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 inaugural Rome Coalition meeting held in Rome on May 7, 2026. Italy and Croatia highlighted that the latest session concentrated on protecting food and fertiliser supply chains amidst pressures on key maritime routes. Participants emphasized the importance of international coordination and cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization, regional bodies, and financial institutions. The meeting prioritized transport resilience, storage capacity, and reliable trade flows as essential components to ensure access to critical goods.