NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasized the need for increased partnership with Europe to safeguard international supply networks from maritime disruptions and escalating transportation expenses. During his remarks in New York on September 24, Albudaiwi highlighted how rising freight costs are impacting commodity and food prices. His comments 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 united 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. Italy and Croatia hosted the event, with Croatia serving as the current MED9 chair. The discussions centered on pressures impacting food, fertiliser, and agricultural trade, as well as disruptions in key maritime zones such as the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, the Red Sea, and the Black Sea.
Albudaiwi noted that GCC nations are actively working to bolster supply chain resilience through the development of pipelines, ports, rail systems, roads, and strategic storage facilities. He also urged coordinated initiatives to mitigate risks linked to shipping and maritime insurance. Ensuring the swift handling of food, fertiliser, and fuel shipments during disruptions was a key point, he added. The GCC Secretary-General reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to maintain exports within security-imposed limits.
Broader Focus on Supply Routes and Food Security
The Rome Coalition gathering underscored the connection between maritime safety, logistics, and access to vital agricultural supplies. Attendees supported efforts to keep trade flowing smoothly and predictably by easing transport hurdles and diversifying supply routes. There was also an emphasis on increasing regional production and storage capacity. The talks included cooperation among exporting, transit, and importing countries, along with investments in ports and transportation links. UN officials participating in the meeting included Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General Qu Dongyu.
Albudaiwi also called for progress on the trade and regulatory agenda between the GCC and the European Union. His proposals included free trade negotiations, electrical grid integration, clean hydrogen initiatives, and investment opportunities. The European Commission is currently conducting a sustainability impact assessment related to potential trade agreements with GCC countries, which opened in June and will run until October 19. Additionally, the EU has initiated 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 to take place in Saudi Arabia on October 24, 2026. Albudaiwi stated that the summit should foster structured dialogue on economic and regulatory policies impacting trade and supply chains. This meeting continues ongoing collaborations between the regions in areas such as commerce, energy, and investment. European institutions are also exploring options for future trade arrangements with GCC members, including possible regional or bilateral agreements covering trade, investment, and regulatory cooperation.
The discussions in New York followed the initial Rome Coalition meeting, held in Rome on May 7, 2026. Italy and Croatia noted that the latest session concentrated on safeguarding food and fertiliser supply chains amid pressures on major maritime routes. Participants emphasized the importance of international coordination and collaboration with organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization, regional bodies, and financial institutions. Transport resilience, storage capacity, and reliable trade flows were central themes aimed at ensuring access to essential goods.