NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasized the need for increased cooperation with Europe to protect global supply chains from maritime disruptions and escalating transportation costs. During his address in New York on September 24, Albudaiwi noted that rising freight expenses contributed to increases in commodity and food prices. His remarks were made at the second ministerial session of the Rome Coalition for fertiliser access and food security, which took place during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
This gathering assembled 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. The event was hosted by Italy and Croatia, with Croatia serving as the current MED9 presidency. Discussions concentrated on the pressures impacting food, fertiliser, and agricultural trade, as well as disruptions around strategic waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, the Red Sea, and the Black Sea.
Albudaiwi highlighted that GCC countries are actively working to bolster supply chain resilience through investments in pipelines, ports, rail systems, roads, and strategic storage facilities. He also urged coordinated actions to mitigate risks related to shipping and maritime insurance. During periods of disruption, urgent attention should be given to cargoes of food, fertiliser, and fuel, he stressed. Additionally, the GCC leader reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to maintaining exports within security-appropriate limits.
Broader Focus on Supply Routes and Food Security
The Rome Coalition meeting underscored the interconnectedness of maritime security, logistics, and access to vital agricultural supplies. Delegates supported initiatives to keep trade routes open and predictable, while also easing transportation barriers and diversifying supply sources. They advocated for increased regional production and storage capacity, emphasizing cooperation among producing, transit, and importing nations, alongside investments in port infrastructure and transportation links. UN officials present included Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General Qu Dongyu.
Albudaiwi also pushed for 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 presently conducting a sustainability impact assessment related to potential trade agreements with GCC countries. The consultation, launched in June, continues until October 19. Meanwhile, the EU has commenced separate bilateral free trade talks 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 for October 24, 2026, in Saudi Arabia. Albudaiwi stated that this meeting should foster structured dialogue on economic and regulatory policies influencing trade and supply chains. This summit builds on ongoing collaborations between the two regions on commerce, energy, and investment. European institutions are also exploring future trade arrangements 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 held on May 7, 2026, in Rome. Italy and Croatia noted that the recent session concentrated on safeguarding food and fertiliser supply chains amid pressures on key maritime corridors. Participants also emphasized the importance of international coordination and cooperation with organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization, regional bodies, and financial institutions. The meeting prioritized transport resilience, storage capacity, and reliable trade flows as essential components for securing access to critical goods.