Rome, Jun 9 (IANS): The Italian capital has hosted the first-ever Mediterranean Ministerial Dialogue on the Food Security Crisis, which ended with an agreement between representatives of more than two dozen countries to work together to combat rising costs for basic food products.

Government representatives hailed from the Mediterranean region, including those from Egypt, France, Greece, Spain, and host Italy, Xinhua news agency reported.

The event was led by Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Marina Sereni, who said representatives -- who participated in person and through a video link -- "focused on specific areas of intervention" and in collaboration with international organisations, including the Rome-based United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

Food prices have been pushed higher in recent months by a combination of factors, including the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, supply chain issues, and lingering impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The World Food Price Index, a measure of prices for a basket of basic food commodities, recorded its three highest-ever results over the last three months, including an all-time high set in March. The index has existed in its current form since 1990.

Qu Dongyu, FAO's Director-General, addressed the Ministerial Dialogue on Wednesday, telling participants that the Ukraine crisis proved the need to bolster global food systems.

"We must keep our global food trade system open and ensure that agricultural food exports are not restricted or taxed," he said.