NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasized the need for increased cooperation with Europe to safeguard global supply chains against maritime disruptions and rising transportation costs. During his speech in New York on September 24, Albudaiwi noted that escalating freight expenses were contributing to increases in commodity and food prices. He participated in the second ministerial session of the Rome Coalition for fertiliser access and food security, held during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
This gathering united ministers and senior representatives 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 presidency. The discussions concentrated on pressures affecting food, fertiliser, and agricultural trade, as well as disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, the Red Sea, and the Black Sea.
Albudaiwi highlighted that GCC countries are actively working to enhance supply chain resilience through investments in pipelines, ports, rail systems, roads, and strategic storage facilities. He also urged coordinated efforts to mitigate risks associated with shipping and maritime insurance, emphasizing that food, fertiliser, and fuel shipments require urgent attention during periods of disruption. The GCC Secretary-General reaffirmed the bloc’s dedication to maintaining exports within the bounds permitted by prevailing security conditions.
Wider focus on trade routes and food security
The Rome Coalition meeting underscored the interconnectedness of maritime security, logistics, and access to vital agricultural supplies. Participants expressed support for maintaining open and predictable trade while easing transport constraints and diversifying supply routes, alongside strengthening regional production and storage capabilities. The discussions also involved cooperation among producing, transit, and importing nations, along with investments in ports and transport infrastructure. UN officials, including Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General Qu Dongyu, participated in the event.
Albudaiwi also called for progress in the trade and regulatory agenda between the GCC and the European Union, proposing initiatives like free trade negotiations, electrical grid interconnections, clean hydrogen, and increased investment. The European Commission is currently conducting a sustainability impact assessment related to potential trade agreements with GCC nations, with consultations open from June until October 19. Additionally, the EU has initiated separate bilateral free trade negotiations with the United Arab Emirates.
Upcoming GCC-EU summit emphasizes trade and connectivity
The second GCC and European Union summit is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia on October 24, 2026. Albudaiwi stated that this meeting should foster structured dialogue on economic and regulatory measures influencing trade and supply chains. The summit builds on ongoing collaborations between the two regions in areas such as 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.
These discussions follow the first Rome Coalition meeting held in Rome on May 7, 2026, where Italy and Croatia noted that the latest session focused on protecting food and fertiliser supply chains amid pressures on key maritime corridors. Participants emphasized the importance of international coordination and cooperation with organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization, regional bodies, and financial institutions. The meeting prioritized transport resilience, storage capacity, and reliable trade flows to ensure access to essential goods during disruptions.