The Co-Chairs of Italy and Croatia, the latter in its capacity as the country holding the MED9 Presidency, following discussions held in Rome with representatives of 40 countries, partners, and international organisations, report a shared understanding on the importance of advancing a Rome Coalition on Fertiliser Access and Food Security.
Participants recognised that increasing instability in the Middle East and the wider Mediterranean, including disruptions to maritime security and strategic routes linked to the Strait of Hormuz, is placing significant pressure on global fertiliser and food supply chains, with particularly serious consequences for vulnerable, import-dependent countries across Africa and the Mediterranean.
Participants recalled the analysis presented at the Hundred and Eightieth Session of the FAO Council of 28 April 2026 on the impact of disruptions in the Gulf region and the closure of key maritime routes, and agreed on the need for strengthened coordination at international level to reinforce food security, economic resilience, and regional stability.
The discussions highlighted broad support for enhanced cooperation to ensure more stable, affordable, and diversified fertiliser and food supply chains. This includes strengthening cooperation among producing, transit, and importing countries, expanding regional production capacities, improving logistics connectivity, and supporting investment in resilient agri-food systems. Particular attention was given to the impact of disruptions affecting key maritime corridors, including the Strait of Hormuz. Participants also underlined the importance of continued engagement with international organisations, including the FAO, the United Nations system, and international financial institutions, to address price volatility and strengthen long-term agricultural resilience, particularly in Africa and the Middle East.
The Co-Chairs note a shared commitment to maintaining the Mediterranean as a space of peace, dialogue, and cooperation. There was agreement that this Coalition should help prevent food insecurity and supply chain disruptions from further exacerbating instability, humanitarian pressures, and migratory flows. Participants also recognised the value of this initiative in contributing to broader international and European discussions on food security and resilience-building, promoting a more coordinated and forward-looking response to shared global challenges.
