On 4 August, negotiations between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and UN Secretary-General António Guterres took place in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. The UN Secretary-General arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Welcoming the distinguished guest, the President of Turkmenistan expressed his gratitude for the visit and participation in the international forum held under the motto ‘Driving Progress through Partnerships’. According to Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the current conference will be an important step towards the implementation of the renewed Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries, adopted in December 2024. António Guterres, in turn, expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and stressed the importance of his visit. The UN Secretary-General noted Turkmenistan's active position on issues of international cooperation, emphasising that the country has established itself as a reliable partner of the UN, especially in the areas of peace, security and sustainable development. António Guterres also highly appreciated Turkmenistan's preparations for the Conference, noting the country's efforts to create conditions for effective dialogue between the participants of the event. The Head of State confirmed Turkmenistan's readiness to ensure a high organisational level of the conference and recalled that the country consistently pursues a policy of neutrality, focusing on the development of international relations and the promotion of ideas of sustainable peace. During the meeting, the sides noted the symbolic significance of 2025: the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality. It was also emphasised that, on Ashgabat's initiative, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust. The President of Turkmenistan drew attention to the importance of international consolidation of efforts in the interests of countries without direct access to the sea. Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed confidence that the Conference, held once every ten years with the participation of representatives of states, international institutions, business and civil society, will make a significant contribution to strengthening sustainable development and transport connectivity. At the end of the meeting, the Head of State thanked the UN Secretary-General for his contribution to the development of partnership with Turkmenistan. António Guterres, in turn, noted the country's achievements in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals and its contribution to promoting peacekeeping initiatives. The parties expressed confidence in the further strengthening of the strategic dialogue between Turkmenistan and the UN in the interests of stability and development at both the regional and global levels.
On 4 August, on the sidelines of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov met with Simonetta Siligato, Director of the Multi-Country Office of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Austria. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, they talked about current and future projects in healthcare, transport, water resources, and ecology. They noted the effective cooperation and importance of Turkmenistan's priorities, such as infrastructure development, transport connectivity, and environmental protection. S. Siligato thanked the Turkmen side for the high level of organisation of the conference and expressed confidence that its results would help landlocked countries promote sustainable development. The parties confirmed their readiness to further expand their partnership.
The ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone hosted a Youth Forum as part of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The event was part of the implementation of the global strategy ‘Youth 2030’ and brought together young representatives from LLDC countries, delegations from international organisations and state structures of Turkmenistan. The aim of the forum was to increase youth participation in addressing global challenges, promote sustainable development ideas, exchange experiences and develop joint initiatives. Participants discussed climate change, inclusive education, digital and environmentally-oriented entrepreneurship. The key outcome was the adoption of the Youth Declaration ‘Building Bridges for LLDC Futures’. The document called for strengthening the role of youth in national and international processes aimed at sustainable development. At the opening ceremony, UN representatives emphasised the important role of the younger generation in promoting reform and innovation. The ‘Landlinked Fellowship’ exhibition showcased start-ups and digital projects by young entrepreneurs, as well as solutions aimed at overcoming the constraints associated with landlocked status. The forum served as a platform for exchanging ideas and forming partnerships that, according to participants, can contribute to building a more just and sustainable future. The conference also plans to hold a ‘Intergenerational Dialogue’ and other meetings dedicated to the active involvement of young people in the international agenda.
The Head of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation, Rustam Minnikhanov, arrived in Turkmenistan on a working visit on 4 August. This was reported by the news agency Orient. He was met at the Turkmenbashi airport by representatives of the Turkmen and Russian authorities, including the Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, Mammetguly Astanagulov, and the Russian Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Ivan Volynkin. Rustam Minnikhanov will take part in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), which is being held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. The Head of the Republic of Tatarstan is part of the Russian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev. Meetings with the leadership of Turkmenistan and other participants in the forum are also planned.
On 4 August, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, according to the state news agency TDH. At the International Airport of Turkmenbashi, the distinguished guest was warmly welcomed by Hero Arkadag, who expressed gratitude for his agreement to participate in the important international forum held in Turkmenistan. During the conversation, it was emphasised that the results of the Conference, dedicated to the pressing challenges of our time, will serve as a serious impetus for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation between the countries. This will contribute to the harmonious development of the states and improve the well-being of their peoples. The guest thanked for the warm welcome and wished the International Conference success. Exchanging good wishes, Hero Arkadag and President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed firm confidence in the further strengthening and development of bilateral relations in all key areas.
On 4 August, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). This was reported by the news agency Orient. The President of Tajikistan was met at the International Airport of Turkmenbashi by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. During the visit, a meeting was held in which the parties discussed a wide range of issues related to bilateral cooperation and the strengthening of friendly ties between the two states. Particular attention was paid to the prospects for the development of political dialogue, economic partnership and cultural interaction. The parties also exchanged views on pressing issues on the regional and international agenda. Emomali Rahmon expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and noted the importance of the upcoming conference, wishing its participants success.
On 4 August, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with the President of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Philemon Yang, on the sidelines of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. The parties discussed priorities for Turkmenistan's cooperation with the UN, emphasising the importance of strengthening multilateral cooperation for peace, security and sustainable development. Philemon Yang noted Turkmenistan's commitment to the UN Charter and international law. The parties noted the importance of the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Third Resolution ‘Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan,’ which reflects support for the country's peaceful foreign policy. Rashid Meredov noted that Turkmenistan's neutrality contributes to the expansion of international cooperation. It was also noted that for five days, the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone will become a platform for discussions and constructive dialogue.
A meeting took place in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone between the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, who arrived to participate in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The President of Turkmenistan thanked António Guterres for his participation and emphasised the importance of the forum, held under the motto ‘Ensuring Progress through Partnerships’, for the implementation of the new Programme of Action adopted in December 2024. The UN Secretary-General expressed his gratitude for the reception, noting Turkmenistan's contribution to addressing global challenges and its role as a reliable partner of the UN. António Guterres also highly appreciated the organisation of the conference. The parties expressed confidence that the forum would contribute to the promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals and the development of transport and logistics links. Serdar Berdimuhamedov thanked António Guterres for supporting the partnership with the UN. The UN Secretary-General, in turn, noted the country's successes in peacemaking and international cooperation.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held a meeting with the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The President of Uzbekistan congratulated Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the holding of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), emphasising the importance of its agenda for the sustainable development of the region. The parties discussed topical issues of strengthening bilateral cooperation, including the implementation of the April agreements reached in Samarkand. They noted the positive dynamics of the partnership, the growth of trade turnover, and the development of cooperation in the economy, industry, energy and water management. Work is underway to create the Shabat-Dashoguz border trade zone and expand humanitarian ties. In the run-up to the upcoming high-level meetings, meetings of intergovernmental commissions, the Business Council and the Forum of Regions are planned. Issues on the UN agenda and preparations for the Central Asian leaders' summit scheduled for autumn in Tashkent were also discussed.
On the sidelines of the Third UN Conference in Avaza on 4 August, a meeting was held between the Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, and the Chairwoman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, Tanzila Narbayeva. The negotiations complemented the programme of the Parliamentary Forum, confirming the dynamic development of bilateral cooperation. This was reported by the online publication Orient. The parties noted that inter-parliamentary ties, based on a solid dialogue between the Heads of States, have reached a new level. This is facilitated by the active work of friendship groups and the regular participation of delegations in joint events. Tanzila Narbayeva, who headed the Uzbek delegation at the Parliamentary Forum ‘Charting the Course: Advancing the Awaza Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries,’ drew attention to the unique transport challenges facing Uzbekistan. In her speech, she presented Tashkent's initiatives to develop regional connectivity, including the promotion of ‘green’ logistics and modern infrastructure projects. A key issue was the discussion of the Trans-Afghan Transport Corridor (Termez-Mazar-i-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar), which could significantly strengthen trade links between Central and South Asia. The parties also emphasised the importance of exchanging experience in the legislative sphere, simplifying transit procedures and introducing digital solutions. The meeting demonstrated not only the friendly nature of relations, but also the readiness to work together on specific projects that contribute to the development of the entire region.
In the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, within the framework of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), a meeting was held between the Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, and the Chairwoman of the National Parliament of Azerbaijan, Sahiba Gafarova. This was reported by the news agency Orient. S. Gafarova expressed gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for the warm welcome and good organisation. The sides noted the importance of parliamentary dialogue as the basis for Turkmen-Azerbaijani cooperation, emphasising friendly and mutually respectful relations. The Speaker of the National Parliament of Azerbaijan noted that the recent visit of Hero Arkadag to Azerbaijan had given new impetus to the development of relations. The sides agreed that the parliamentary forum within the framework of the conference contributes to the intensification of inter-parliamentary cooperation and confirmed their readiness to expand partnership in all areas.
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Turkmenistan on 4 August for a working visit. This was reported by the news agency Orient. On 5 August, Shavkat Mirziyoyev will take part in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), which is also dedicated to preparations for the seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of States of Central Asia. Bilateral negotiations with representatives of Turkmenistan are planned during the visit.