NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation with Europe to safeguard international supply networks from maritime disruptions and escalating transportation expenses. During a speech in New York on September 24, Albudaiwi pointed out that increased freight costs were impacting commodity and food prices. His remarks were made at the second ministerial gathering of the Rome Coalition for fertiliser access and food security, convened during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
This assembly gathered 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 acting as the current president of MED9. The participants discussed pressures on food, fertiliser, and agricultural trade, as well as disruptions around key maritime choke points such as the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, the Red Sea, and the Black Sea.
Albudaiwi stated that GCC countries are actively working to bolster supply chain resilience through investments in pipelines, ports, rail infrastructure, roads, and strategic storage facilities. He also called for synchronized efforts to mitigate risks affecting shipping and maritime insurance. He underscored that during disruptions, urgent focus should be given to food, fertiliser, and fuel cargoes. Additionally, the GCC leader reaffirmed the bloc’s dedication to maintaining export levels within the security parameters in place.
Focus Expands to Supply Routes and Food Security
The Rome Coalition’s meeting underscored the interconnectedness of maritime security, logistics, and the availability of vital agricultural inputs. Participants supported initiatives to keep trade routes open and predictable, while also easing transportation bottlenecks and diversifying supply channels. They advocated for increased regional production and storage capabilities. The discussions included cooperation among producers, 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 the dialogue.
Albudaiwi also urged progress on the trade and regulatory agenda between the GCC and the European Union. His proposals encompassed free trade negotiations, integration of electrical grids, 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 the consultation open from June to October 19. The EU has also initiated separate bilateral free trade talks with the United Arab Emirates.
Upcoming GCC-EU Summit Focuses on Trade and Connectivity
The GCC and European Union are scheduled to convene their second summit in Saudi Arabia on October 24, 2026. Albudaiwi indicated that this meeting should foster structured dialogue on economic and regulatory policies impacting trade and supply chains. The summit continues ongoing collaboration between the two regions on issues related to commerce, energy, and investment. European institutions are also evaluating 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, which took place in Rome on May 7, 2026. Italy and Croatia highlighted that the latest session concentrated on protecting food and fertiliser supply chains amid pressures on critical maritime routes. Participants emphasized the importance of international coordination, working with organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization, regional entities, and financial institutions. The session prioritized transport resilience, storage capacity, and reliable trade flows to ensure continued access to essential goods.