NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi urged enhanced collaboration with Europe to shield international supply chains from maritime disruptions and escalating transportation costs. During his address in New York on September 24, Albudaiwi pointed out that increased freight charges are contributing to rises in 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.
Representatives from the MED9 group, the Arab League, Western Balkan nations, Ukraine, the European Union, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the United Nations gathered for this event, which was hosted by Italy and Croatia, with Croatia serving as the current MED9 chair. The focus was on pressures impacting trade in food, fertiliser, and agriculture. Disruptions in key maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, the Red Sea, and the Black Sea were also topics of concern.
According to Albudaiwi, GCC nations are actively working to bolster supply chain resilience through investments in pipelines, ports, railways, roads, and strategic reserves. He emphasized the need for coordinated initiatives to mitigate risks to shipping and maritime insurance. Urgent attention is necessary for food, fertiliser, and fuel cargoes during periods of instability, he added. The GCC Secretary-General reaffirmed the bloc’s dedication to maintaining exports within the bounds permitted by current security conditions.
Broader Focus on Supply Routes and Food Security
The Rome Coalition assembly underscored the interconnectedness of maritime security, logistics, and access to vital agricultural supplies. Participants endorsed efforts to sustain open and predictable trade, while reducing transport hurdles and diversifying supply channels. They also supported enhancing regional production and storage capabilities. Discussions included cooperation among producing, transit, and importing countries, along with investments in ports and transportation infrastructure. UN officials attending the meeting included Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General Qu Dongyu.
Albudaiwi also urged progress on the trade and regulatory agenda between the GCC and the European Union. His proposals covered free trade negotiations, electrical grid interconnections, clean hydrogen, and investment initiatives. 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 to Emphasize 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 highlighted that this summit should promote a structured dialogue on economic and regulatory measures influencing trade and supply flows. The meeting builds on ongoing collaboration on commerce, energy, and investment between the two regions. European institutions are also exploring future trade arrangements with GCC countries, including potential regional or bilateral agreements covering trade, investment, and regulatory cooperation.
This discussion in New York followed the inaugural Rome Coalition meeting, which was held in Rome on May 7, 2026. Italy and Croatia noted that the latest session concentrated on protecting food and fertiliser supply chains amid pressures on key maritime corridors. Participants emphasized the importance of international coordination and cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization, regional entities, and financial institutions. The meeting prioritized transport resilience, storage capacity, and reliable trade flows as critical components to safeguarding access to essential goods.