NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasized the need for closer cooperation with Europe to safeguard supply chains for food, energy, and commodities. Speaking in New York on September 24 during the second ministerial meeting of the Rome Coalition for fertiliser access and food security, Albudaiwi highlighted that maritime disruptions and rising transportation costs are impacting global trade. He also noted that these pressures are driving up commodity and food prices across various regions, including Europe and the Gulf.
The ministerial gathering took place in Italy and Croatia, hosted on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Croatia currently holds the presidency of MED9. Attendees included representatives from MED9 nations, the Arab League, the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and European institutions. Gulf and United Nations officials also participated. The discussions centered on food security, fertiliser access, and the movement of vital goods through key trade routes. Participants examined the pressures affecting 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 called for increased cooperation to mitigate risks faced by maritime transport and shipping insurance. During disruptions, shipments of food, fertiliser, and fuel should be prioritized, he added. He reaffirmed the Gulf states’ commitment to supporting dependable exports under current security conditions. These remarks underscored the importance of transport infrastructure, storage capacity, and trade continuity in the region’s food and energy security agenda.
Food and fertiliser routes stay central to ongoing discussions
The Rome Coalition meeting also explored strategies to maintain open and predictable international trade during transport disruptions. Participants endorsed expanding alternative routes and strengthening regional storage networks. They discussed investments in ports and land transportation infrastructure. The talks prominently featured cooperation among producer, transit, and importing nations. Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General Qu Dongyu participated in the meeting, which also addressed the roles of international institutions in supporting food security and fertiliser access.
Albudaiwi stressed the importance of advancing 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 require further development. The European Commission is currently conducting a sustainability impact assessment related to potential trade agreements with Gulf countries. This consultation, launched in June, will run 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 emphasizes strengthening trade relations
The second Gulf Cooperation Council and European Union summit is scheduled for October 24 in Saudi Arabia. The meeting aims to continue discussions on trade, energy, investment, and regulatory cooperation. European institutions are exploring options for future commercial agreements with Gulf nations, including regional arrangements and bilateral treaties. Albudaiwi noted that the summit should foster structured dialogue on measures affecting commerce, connectivity, and supply flows between the regions, while keeping practical economic cooperation at the forefront.
The New York gathering followed the initial Rome Coalition meeting held in Rome on May 7, 2026. Italy and Croatia highlighted that the latest session focused on protecting food and fertiliser supply chains from pressures on major maritime routes. Participants also stressed the need for transport resilience, storage capacity, and reliable trade flows. The discussions united governments, regional organizations, and international institutions around shared concerns regarding supply. Throughout the meeting, food security, fertiliser availability, and dependable access to essential goods remained central to the agenda.