NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasized the need for increased collaboration with Europe to shield worldwide supply networks from maritime disruptions and rising transportation costs. Addressing the second ministerial gathering of the Rome Coalition for fertiliser access and food security in New York on September 24, Albudaiwi pointed out that elevated freight expenses were impacting commodity and food prices. This meeting took place during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The assembly convened 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. Hosted by Italy and Croatia, with Croatia presiding over the current MED9 presidency, the discussions centered on challenges impacting food, fertiliser, and agricultural trade. Participants also examined disruptions around key maritime chokepoints including the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, the Red Sea, and the Black Sea.
Albudaiwi highlighted that GCC nations are actively working to bolster supply chain robustness through pipelines, key ports, rail systems, roads, and strategic reserves. He urged coordinated actions to mitigate risks facing shipping and maritime insurance. During periods of disruption, urgent attention should be given to food, fertiliser, and fuel shipments, he said. Additionally, the GCC leader reaffirmed the bloc’s dedication to maintaining exports within security-imposed limits.
Focus Expands to Supply Routes and Food Security
The Rome Coalition gathering underscored the connection between maritime security, logistics, and access to vital agricultural inputs. Attendees endorsed efforts to keep trade flowing smoothly and predictably, while reducing transport constraints and diversifying supply pathways. They also supported enhancing regional production and storage capabilities. The discussions involved cooperation among producer, transit, and importing nations, as well as investments in ports and transportation infrastructure. UN representatives, including Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General Qu Dongyu, participated in these talks.
Albudaiwi also urged 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. The European Commission is currently conducting a sustainability impact assessment related to potential trade agreements with GCC countries, with consultations open from June until October 19. Meanwhile, the EU has initiated separate bilateral free trade negotiations with the United Arab Emirates.
Upcoming GCC-EU Summit Focuses on Trade and Connectivity
The second summit between the GCC and European Union is scheduled for October 24, 2026, in Saudi Arabia. Albudaiwi stated that this event should foster a structured dialogue on economic and regulatory policies influencing trade and supply chains. This summit follows ongoing collaborations on commerce, energy, and investment initiatives. European institutions are also exploring options for future trade frameworks with GCC members, including potential regional or bilateral agreements covering trade, investment, and regulatory cooperation.
The discussions in New York built on the first Rome Coalition meeting, which took place in Rome on May 7, 2026. Italy and Croatia noted that the recent session prioritized safeguarding food and fertiliser supply chains amid mounting pressure on major maritime corridors. Participants also emphasized the importance of international coordination, working with the Food and Agriculture Organization, regional bodies, and financial institutions. The meeting concentrated on transport resilience, storage capacity, and ensuring reliable trade flows to protect access to essential goods.