NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi called for stronger cooperation with Europe to protect global supply chains from maritime disruption and rising transport costs. Speaking in New York on September 24, Albudaiwi said higher freight expenses were feeding into commodity and food prices. He addressed the second ministerial meeting of the Rome Coalition for fertiliser access and food security, held during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The meeting brought together ministers and senior representatives from the MED9 group, the Arab League, Western Balkan countries, Ukraine, the European Union, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the United Nations. Italy and Croatia hosted the gathering, with Croatia serving as the current MED9 presidency. Participants focused on pressures affecting food, fertiliser and agricultural trade. They also examined disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, the Red Sea and the Black Sea.
Albudaiwi said GCC states were working to strengthen supply chain resilience through pipelines, commercial ports, rail networks, roads and strategic storage facilities. He also called for coordinated efforts to reduce risks facing shipping and maritime insurance. Food, fertiliser and fuel cargoes should receive urgent attention during periods of disruption, he said. The GCC chief also reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to maintaining exports within the limits allowed by prevailing security conditions.
Supply routes and food security draw wider focus
The Rome Coalition meeting highlighted the links between maritime security, logistics and access to essential agricultural supplies. Participants supported efforts to keep trade open and predictable while easing transport constraints and diversifying supply routes. They also backed stronger regional production and storage capacity. The discussions included cooperation among producing, transit and importing countries, along with investment in ports and transport connections. UN officials at 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 covered free trade negotiations, electrical grid links, clean hydrogen and investment. The European Commission is currently conducting a sustainability impact assessment related to potential trade agreements with GCC countries. The consultation opened in June and runs until October 19. The EU has also started separate bilateral free trade negotiations with the United Arab Emirates.
GCC-EU summit adds trade and connectivity focus
The GCC and European Union are scheduled to hold their second summit in Saudi Arabia on October 24, 2026. Albudaiwi said the meeting should advance structured dialogue on economic and regulatory measures affecting trade and supply flows. The summit follows continued work between the two regions on commerce, energy and investment. European institutions have also been assessing options for future trade arrangements with GCC members, including possible regional or bilateral agreements covering trade, investment and regulatory cooperation.
The New York discussions followed the first Rome Coalition meeting, held in Rome on May 7, 2026. Italy and Croatia said the latest session focused on protecting food and fertiliser supply chains amid pressure on major maritime corridors. Participants also stressed the role of international coordination and cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization, regional bodies and financial institutions. The meeting placed transport resilience, storage capacity and reliable trade flows at the center of efforts to safeguard access to essential goods.