NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasized the need for increased coordination with Europe to safeguard supply chains for food, energy, and commodities. His remarks came in New York on September 24 during the second ministerial gathering of the Rome Coalition for fertiliser access and food security. Albudaiwi highlighted that disruptions at sea and rising transportation expenses are impacting global trade flows. He further noted that these pressures are driving up commodity and food prices across different regions, including Europe and the Gulf.
The ministerial meeting was hosted by Italy and Croatia on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Croatia currently presides over the MED9. Attendees included representatives from MED9 nations, the Arab League, the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and various European institutions. Gulf and United Nations officials also participated in the discussions. Key topics covered were food security, access to fertilisers, and the movement of vital goods through major trade routes. The group examined tensions along the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Black Sea.
Albudaiwi stated that Gulf nations are working to bolster supply chain resilience through investments in ports, pipelines, railways, roads, and strategic reserves. He called for enhanced cooperation to mitigate risks associated with maritime transport and shipping insurance. During disruptions, priority should be given to shipments of food, fertiliser, and fuel, he argued. He reaffirmed Gulf states’ commitment to maintaining dependable exports amid prevailing security conditions. These comments underscored the focus on transport infrastructure, storage capacity, and trade stability within the regional food and energy security framework.
Maintaining vital food and fertiliser routes remains a key focus
The Rome Coalition’s discussions also centered on strategies to keep international trade flowing smoothly during times of transport disruption. Participants endorsed expanding alternative routes and developing regional storage networks. They explored investments in port infrastructure and land transportation links. The importance of cooperation between producer, transit, and importing nations was a recurring theme. Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General Qu Dongyu participated in the meeting, which also addressed the role of international institutions in supporting food security and fertiliser access.
Albudaiwi urged progress in economic collaboration between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union. He identified areas such as trade, regulatory frameworks, electricity interconnections, clean hydrogen, and investment as priorities for 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, runs until October 19. Additionally, the EU is pursuing separate free trade negotiations with the United Arab Emirates as part of its broader commercial strategy with the Gulf region.
Upcoming Gulf-EU summit to focus on trade and strategic cooperation
The second summit between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union is scheduled for October 24 in Saudi Arabia. Discussions will continue on trade, energy, investment, and regulatory collaboration. European entities are exploring options for future commercial agreements with Gulf nations, including regional arrangements and bilateral deals. Albudaiwi expressed that the summit should foster structured dialogue on issues affecting commerce, connectivity, and supply chains, while emphasizing practical economic cooperation.
This upcoming event follows the initial Rome Coalition meeting held in Rome on May 7, 2026. Italy and Croatia highlighted that the recent session focused on safeguarding food and fertiliser supply chains from pressures on key maritime routes. Participants stressed the importance of transport resilience, storage infrastructure, and dependable trade flows. The gathering brought together governments, regional organizations, and international bodies around shared concerns over supply security. Throughout the discussions, food security, fertiliser availability, and access to essential goods remained central topics.