NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasized the importance of closer collaboration with Europe to safeguard food, energy, and commodity supply chains. Speaking in New York on September 24 during the second ministerial session of the Rome Coalition for fertiliser access and food security, he pointed out that disruptions at sea and rising transportation expenses were impacting global trade. Additionally, he noted that these pressures contributed to increased commodity and food prices across various regions, including Europe and the Gulf.
Italy and Croatia hosted the ministerial event alongside the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Croatia currently presides over the MED9. The gathering brought together 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, access to fertilisers, and the movement of vital goods through major trade routes. Key issues reviewed included tensions around the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Black Sea.
Albudaiwi stated that Gulf nations are working to bolster supply chain resilience through investments in ports, pipelines, railways, roads, and strategic reserves. He also called for increased cooperation to mitigate risks affecting maritime transport and shipping insurance. During periods of disruption, shipments of food, fertilisers, and fuel should be prioritized, he argued. He reaffirmed Gulf states’ dedication to supporting dependable exports under current security conditions. These remarks placed emphasis on transport infrastructure, storage capacity, and trade continuity as central elements of the region’s food and energy security strategies.
Routes for Food and Fertiliser Remain Key Focus of Discussions
The Rome Coalition meeting also explored strategies to maintain open and predictable international trade during transport disruptions. Attendees supported expanding the use of alternative routes and enhancing regional storage facilities. The agenda included investments in port infrastructure and land transport networks. Promoting cooperation among producer, transit, and importing countries was a significant part of the dialogue. Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General Qu Dongyu participated in the discussions, which also addressed the role of international organizations in supporting food security and fertiliser access.
Albudaiwi also called for progress in economic collaboration between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union. He pointed out key areas such as trade, regulation, electricity interconnections, clean hydrogen, and investment that warrant further development. The European Commission is currently undertaking a sustainability impact assessment related to potential trade agreements with Gulf nations, a process that started in June and runs until October 19. Separately, the EU has initiated free trade negotiations with the United Arab Emirates as part of its broader commercial strategy in the Gulf region.
Gulf-EU Summit to Focus on Trade and Economic Ties
The second summit between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union is scheduled for October 24 in Saudi Arabia. The upcoming meeting continues discussions on trade, energy, investment, and regulatory cooperation. European institutions have been evaluating options for future trade agreements with Gulf countries, including regional arrangements and bilateral accords. Albudaiwi expressed that the summit should foster structured dialogue on measures influencing commerce, connectivity, and supply flows between the two regions, while keeping a focus on tangible economic collaboration.
This event in New York followed the initial Rome Coalition meeting held in Rome on May 7, 2026. Italy and Croatia highlighted that the recent session concentrated on protecting food and fertiliser supply chains from pressures on major maritime routes. Participants also underscored the importance of transport resilience, storage capacity, and consistent trade flows. The discussions united governments, regional organizations, and international bodies around shared concerns about supply security. Throughout, the core focus remained on food security, fertiliser availability, and dependable access to essential goods.