NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasized the need for increased partnership with Europe to safeguard international supply routes from maritime disruptions and escalating transportation expenses. During his remarks in New York on September 24, Albudaiwi highlighted that rising freight costs are contributing to increases in commodity and food prices. His comments were made at the second ministerial session of the Rome Coalition for fertiliser access and food security, held concurrently with the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
This gathering gathered 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 holder of the MED9 presidency. The participants concentrated on the various pressures impacting food, fertiliser, and agricultural trade, while also discussing security challenges around strategic waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, the Red Sea, and the Black Sea.
Albudaiwi stated that GCC nations are actively working to bolster the resilience of supply chains through the development of pipelines, expansion of commercial ports, enhancement of rail networks, roads, and strategic reserves. He also called for coordinated efforts to mitigate risks facing maritime shipping and insurance. He stressed the importance of prioritizing food, fertiliser, and fuel cargoes during times of disruption. Additionally, the GCC Secretary-General reaffirmed the bloc’s dedication to maintaining export levels within the security constraints present at any given time.
Broader Focus on Trade Routes and Food Security
The Rome Coalition meeting underscored the critical linkages between maritime security, logistical networks, and access to vital agricultural supplies. Attendees supported initiatives to keep trade routes open and predictable, while also reducing transportation bottlenecks and diversifying supply sources. They advocated for increased regional production and storage capacities, emphasizing cooperation among producing, transit, and importing nations, along with investments in port infrastructure and transportation links. UN officials present included Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General Qu Dongyu.
Albudaiwi also urged progress on the trade and regulatory agenda between the GCC and the European Union, proposing topics such as free trade negotiations, electrical grid interconnections, clean hydrogen initiatives, and investment opportunities. The European Commission is currently conducting a sustainability impact assessment related to potential trade agreements with GCC countries, with the consultation period open from June until October 19. Moreover, the EU has initiated separate bilateral free trade negotiations with the United Arab Emirates.
Upcoming GCC-EU Summit to Focus on Trade and Connectivity
The second summit between the GCC and European Union is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia on October 24, 2026. Albudaiwi indicated that this meeting should facilitate structured dialogue on economic and regulatory policies impacting trade and supply chains. The summit builds on ongoing collaborative efforts between the two regions in areas such as commerce, energy, and investment. European institutions are also exploring future trade frameworks 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, which was held in Rome on May 7, 2026. Italy and Croatia highlighted that the recent session concentrated on safeguarding food and fertiliser supply chains amid mounting pressure on key maritime corridors. The participants also stressed the importance of international coordination and cooperation with organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization, regional bodies, and financial institutions. Emphasis was placed on transport resilience, storage capacity, and ensuring reliable trade flows to maintain access to essential goods during disruptions.