NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi urged enhanced cooperation with Europe to defend international supply chains from maritime disruptions and escalating transportation costs. During his address in New York on September 24, Albudaiwi highlighted how increased freight expenses were impacting commodity and food prices. He participated in the second ministerial gathering of the Rome Coalition for fertiliser access and food security, held during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The assembly gathered ministers and senior officials from the MED9 group, the Arab League, Western Balkan nations, Ukraine, the European Union, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the United Nations. Hosted by Italy and Croatia, with Croatia presiding over the MED9, the summit concentrated on pressures affecting agricultural trade, fertiliser supplies, and food security. Discussions also addressed disruptions around strategic maritime chokepoints including the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, the Red Sea, and the Black Sea.
Albudaiwi stated that GCC nations are actively working to reinforce supply chain resilience through investments in pipelines, ports, rail infrastructure, roads, and strategic reserves. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to mitigate risks in shipping and maritime insurance. He underscored that urgent attention is needed for food, fertiliser, and fuel shipments during times of disruption. The GCC Secretary-General reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to maintain exports within security constraints.
Focus on Supply Routes and Food Security Grows
The Rome Coalition session underscored the interconnectedness of maritime safety, logistics, and the availability of vital agricultural imports. Attendees endorsed measures to keep trade routes open and predictable, advocating for easing transport restrictions and diversifying supply channels. They also stressed the need to bolster regional production and storage capabilities. The debate involved cooperation among producing, transit, and importing nations, alongside investments in ports and transportation infrastructure. UN representatives, including Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General Qu Dongyu, participated in the discussions.
Albudaiwi also called for progress on the trade and regulatory initiatives between the GCC and the European Union. His suggestions included advancing free trade negotiations, linking electrical grids, developing clean hydrogen projects, and encouraging investment. The European Commission is currently conducting a sustainability impact assessment regarding potential trade agreements with GCC countries. The consultation, launched in June, is scheduled to conclude on October 19. Additionally, the EU has initiated separate bilateral free trade talks with the United Arab Emirates.
GCC-EU Summit to Focus on Trade and Connectivity
A second summit between the GCC and European Union is planned for October 24, 2026, in Saudi Arabia. Albudaiwi indicated that this meeting should foster structured dialogue on economic policies, trade, and regulatory issues impacting supply flows. The summit continues efforts between the two regions on commerce, energy, and investment, with European institutions exploring options for future trade arrangements, including regional or bilateral agreements covering trade, investment, and regulatory cooperation.
The discussions in New York followed the inaugural Rome Coalition gathering on May 7, 2026, in Rome. Italy and Croatia noted that the recent session prioritized safeguarding food and fertiliser supply chains amid heightened pressure 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. Transport resilience, storage capacity, and dependable trade routes were at the heart of efforts to ensure continued access to essential goods.