Gulf nations tighten coordination to safeguard food supplies amid uncertainty
Senior officials from Gulf Cooperation Council countries have reaffirmed the strength of regional food security, highlighting stable stock levels and enhanced coordination mechanisms to address potential disruptions.
During an extraordinary virtual meeting, undersecretaries responsible for agriculture and food security across the Gulf Cooperation Council reviewed the latest developments in food supply and strategic reserves, confirming that current stockpiles remain sufficient to meet member states’ needs over extended periods.
Kuwait was represented by Salem Al-Hai, Director-General of the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources, alongside senior officials from GCC member states, the Secretariat’s Assistant Secretary for Economic and Development Affairs Khaled Al-Sunaidi, and representatives of the GCC Customs Union Authority, reports Al-Rai daily.
Participants stressed the importance of reinforcing food reserves and enhancing preparedness to manage various scenarios, including activating regional support mechanisms and facilitating the exchange of food commodities among member states when necessary.
The meeting also reviewed outcomes from previous high-level discussions, including those involving transport ministers and the Standing Committee for Food Security, emphasizing the need for integrated coordination across sectors supporting the region’s food supply chain.
Officials underscored the urgency of streamlining customs and transit procedures, improving the efficiency of land, sea, and air logistics, and ensuring flexible supply routes to guarantee timely delivery of essential and perishable food items.
The session concluded with a renewed commitment to implementing GCC food security strategy initiatives, approved during the ministerial meeting held in Kuwait in November 2025, aimed at strengthening long-term sustainability and resilience across the region.
