NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasized the need for enhanced coordination 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 increased transportation expenses are impacting global trade flows. He also highlighted that these pressures are contributing to rising prices for commodities and food across regions, including Europe and the Gulf.
Italy and Croatia hosted the ministerial conference on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Croatia is currently holding the MED9 presidency. The gathering was attended by representatives from MED9 nations, the Arab League, the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and European institutions. Gulf and United Nations officials also participated. The discussions focused on food security, fertiliser access, and the movement of critical goods through major trade routes. Participants examined the pressures affecting areas such as the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Black Sea.
Albudaiwi stated that Gulf countries are bolstering the resilience of supply chains through investments in ports, pipelines, railways, roads, and strategic storage facilities. He called for increased cooperation to mitigate risks related to maritime transport and shipping insurance. He stressed that shipments of food, fertilisers, and fuel should be prioritized during periods of disruption. Additionally, he reaffirmed that Gulf states remain dedicated to supporting dependable exports amid current security conditions. These comments underscored the importance of transport infrastructure, storage capacity, and trade continuity within the region’s food and energy security agenda.
Food and fertiliser transportation routes remain key focus of discussions
The Rome Coalition meeting also explored strategies to keep international trade flowing smoothly and predictably during transportation disruptions. Participants advocated for broader use of alternative routes and the development of regional storage networks. The discussions included investments in port infrastructure and land transportation links. Emphasis was placed on cooperation among producer, transit, and importing countries. The Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General Qu Dongyu participated in the meeting, which also examined how international organizations can support food security and fertiliser access.
Albudaiwi further called for advancements in economic collaboration between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union. He pointed out areas such as trade, regulation, electricity interconnections, clean hydrogen, and investment as targets for expanded cooperation. The European Commission is currently conducting a sustainability impact assessment related to potential trade agreements with Gulf nations. This consultation, launched in June, 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 to focus on trade relations
The 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. European institutions have been exploring options for future commercial agreements with Gulf countries, including regional arrangements and bilateral deals. Albudaiwi expressed that the summit should facilitate structured dialogue on policies affecting commerce, connectivity, and supply flows, while emphasizing practical economic cooperation.
The New York session followed the first Rome Coalition gathering held in Rome on May 7, 2026. Italy and Croatia highlighted that the focus was on protecting food and fertiliser supply chains from pressures on key maritime routes. Participants also stressed the importance of transport resilience, storage capacity, and ensuring dependable trade flows. The discussions brought together governments, regional bodies, and international organizations around shared concerns regarding supply security. Throughout the meeting, the core agenda items remained food security, fertiliser availability, and reliable access to essential goods.