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 costs. During a speech in New York on September 24, Albudaiwi highlighted how rising freight charges are impacting commodity and food prices. His remarks were part of the second ministerial session of the Rome Coalition for fertiliser access and food security, convened during the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
This gathering included ministers and senior officials from the MED9 group, the Arab League, Western Balkan nations, Ukraine, the European Union, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the UN. Hosted by Italy and Croatia, with Croatia serving as the current MED9 president, the discussions centered on pressures affecting food, fertiliser, and agricultural trade. The forum also addressed maritime disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, the Red Sea, and the Black Sea.
Albudaiwi outlined the GCC’s efforts to bolster supply chain resilience through infrastructure such as pipelines, ports, railways, roads, and storage facilities. He called for coordinated initiatives to mitigate risks in shipping and maritime insurance, stressing that urgent action is needed for food, fertiliser, and fuel shipments during crises. The GCC Secretary-General reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to maintaining exports within security constraints.
Focus Expands to Supply Routes and Food Security
The Rome Coalition’s meeting underscored the interconnection between maritime security, logistics, and access to critical agricultural supplies. Participants advocated for keeping trade routes open and predictable, reducing transportation hurdles, and diversifying supply sources. They also promoted increased regional production and storage capacity, emphasizing cooperation among producing, transit, and importing countries, along with investments in ports and transport infrastructure. UN representatives, including Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General Qu Dongyu, participated in these discussions.
Albudaiwi further urged progress on the trade and regulatory agenda between the GCC and the EU. His suggestions included advancing free trade negotiations, linking electrical grids, developing clean hydrogen, and boosting investments. Currently, the European Commission is conducting a sustainability impact assessment for potential trade agreements with GCC nations, with the consultation period from June to October 19. Additionally, the EU has initiated bilateral free trade talks with the United Arab Emirates.
Upcoming GCC-EU Summit to Focus on Trade and Connectivity
The GCC and European Union are set to hold their second summit in Saudi Arabia on October 24, 2026. Albudaiwi expressed that this meeting should promote structured dialogue on economic policies and regulatory measures impacting trade and supply chains. The summit builds on ongoing collaboration in commerce, energy, and investment, with European institutions exploring options for future trade arrangements with GCC countries, including regional or bilateral agreements concerning trade, investment, and regulation.
The discussions in New York followed the inaugural Rome Coalition meeting on May 7, 2026, in Rome. Italy and Croatia noted that the recent session focused on protecting food and fertiliser supply chains amid pressure on major maritime corridors. Participants emphasized the importance of international coordination, working with the Food and Agriculture Organization, regional bodies, and financial institutions. Resilience in transport, storage capacity, and ensuring reliable trade flows were prioritized to safeguard access to essential goods.