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A meeting with a representative of the US State Department took place in Turkmenistan
07.08.2025Within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, on 7 August, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs of the United States of America John Mark Pommersheim. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, the Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan expressed gratitude to the American side for the active participation of the US delegation in the conference. It was noted that this participation is in line with the spirit of the message sent by US President Donald Trump to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov in March this year. The parties conducted a substantive review of the current state and prospects of Turkmen-American cooperation in the political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to preparations for the next round of bilateral political consultations scheduled for 2025.
A meeting with the EU Special Representative for Central Asia took place in Turkmenistan
07.08.2025Today, within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov met with a delegation of the European Union headed by EU Special Representative for Central Asia Eduards Stiprais. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, the parties discussed topical issues of cooperation in the political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to the importance of regular high-level contacts to strengthen partnership relations in both bilateral and multilateral formats. The participants highly appreciated the results of the first ‘Central Asia-European Union’ Summit held in April 2025 and discussed prospects for cooperation within the framework of the EU's Global Gateway strategy. The development of transport and energy corridors, digitalisation and other strategic projects were identified as key areas of cooperation. The parties noted the effectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms, including the activities of the Turkmenistan-EU Joint Committee and the Interparliamentary Dialogue. The European delegation expressed its gratitude to the Turkmen side for the warm welcome and highly appreciated the level of organisation of the UN conference, emphasising the importance of this international forum for addressing pressing development issues facing landlocked countries.
Turkmenistan's investments in transport infrastructure development amounted to over 48 billion manats
07.08.2025At the conference held within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Mammethan Chakiyev announced large-scale investments in the country's transport and communications sector. From 2015 to 2021, over 48 billion manats were allocated to this industry. This was reported by the online publication Turkmenportal. M. Chakiyev emphasised the strategic geographical location of Turkmenistan, which is at the crossroads of key transport routes between East and West, North and South. According to him, the country's territory is crossed by major international corridors, including the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor, the North-South route, the Caspian Corridor and other promising directions. Among the infrastructure projects that have been implemented, the Deputy Prime Minister noted the construction of the Ashgabat-Turkmenabat motorway, the construction of a bridge across the Karabogaz River in the direction of Kazakhstan, the modernisation of the Turkmenbashi Sea Port and the reconstruction of the Turkmenbashi Airport. Particular attention was paid to promising initiatives, including the creation of a new logistics hub in the border areas with Iran and Uzbekistan, as well as the development of the Caspian transport platform in cooperation with the ports of Baku and Aktau. Turkmenistan proposed the creation of a single digital space for landlocked countries with an integrated logistics platform, and also put forward an initiative to establish regional funds to finance infrastructure and digital projects.
ECOSOC President names priorities for implementation of Awaza Action Programme
07.08.2025At the event dedicated to the implementation of the Awaza Action Programme, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations and President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Mr. Lok Bahadur Thapa, outlined priorities in supporting landlocked countries. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. He noted that these countries face serious structural challenges, including geographical isolation, high trade and transport costs, climate vulnerability and lack of infrastructure. According to Thapa, the Awaza Action Programme focuses on structural reforms, sustainable infrastructure development, climate adaptation and sustainable financing. It is consistent with global initiatives such as the Pact of the Future, the Decade of Sustainable Transport and the G20 policy. The President of ECOSOC emphasised the role of the UN in coordinating efforts and promoting the interests of these countries, including strengthening their representation on key platforms. He pointed to the need for national reforms, targeted partnerships and new financial instruments, such as thematic bonds and debt swaps. UN national and resident coordinators play an important role in this regard. Thapa concluded his speech with a call for joint efforts to implement the tasks of the Awaza Action Programme and to share successful strategies.
Head of Turkmenistan's Customs Service meets with Secretary General of the WCO
07.08.2025On 6 August, a meeting was held at the International Seaport of Turkmenbashi between the Chairman of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan, Maksat Hudaykuliyev, and the Secretary General of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), Ian Saunders, who arrived to participate in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. This was reported by the website of the Customs Service of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the field of customs administration, paying particular attention to the development of the WCO Regional Training Centre and the training of personnel for the national system. After the negotiations, the delegations inspected the infrastructure of the seaport. Ian Saunders emphasised the high level of cooperation with Turkmenistan and the potential for joint projects. The meeting was an important step in strengthening the partnership between Turkmenistan and the WCO.
The LLDC plenary session has concluded in Turkmenistan
07.08.2025The plenary session of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) has successfully concluded in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. The event brought together representatives of states and international organisations to develop joint solutions within the framework of the new Awaza Programme of Action. This was reported by IIC. The forum participants discussed in detail strategies for overcoming economic and infrastructure constraints characteristic of landlocked countries. Particular attention was paid to the development of transport corridors, the digitalisation of economies and the creation of favourable conditions for foreign investment. It was emphasised that international solidarity and multilateral partnership are key factors for the successful integration of these countries into the global economic system. The meeting resulted in the unanimous approval by the participants of the main provisions of the Awaza Programme of Action, which will determine the priorities for international support for the next ten years.
Turkmenistan hosts meeting of UN National and Resident Coordinators
07.08.2025During the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), a meeting of UN National and Resident Coordinators was held. The event was opened by Roland Mollerus, Head of the Office of the High Representative (OHCRLS), who welcomed the participants and presented the session programme. This was reported by the IIC. The keynote speaker was Rabab Fatima, Secretary-General of the Conference and UN High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States. In her speech, she described the Awaza Action Programme as a strategic framework for development for the coming decade, emphasising that its effectiveness would be determined by its practical implementation at the national level. According to Fatima, the successful implementation of the Programme depends on concrete measures taken in the 32 participating countries. The UN representative noted that national and resident coordinators play a special role in this process, as they are responsible for integrating the programme into national strategies, monitoring its implementation and mobilising the necessary resources. To facilitate this work, her office has prepared a package of methodological materials, including a system of indicators and a practical guide for implementation.
A forum for women leaders was held in Turkmenistan
07.08.2025The ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone hosted the Women Leaders Forum ‘From Commitment to Change: Women Driving the LLDC 3 Programme of Action’. This was reported by the IIC. Representatives of international organisations, governments and civil society took part in the event, discussing the role of women in the sustainable development of landlocked countries. The speech by Ms Ivana Zivkovic, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Deputy Administrator of UNDP and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS, attracted particular attention. She emphasised that the equal participation of women in decision-making is a necessary condition for progress and sustainability in the face of global challenges. According to Ivana Zivkovic, UNDP will continue to support women's leadership at all levels, from national policy to community initiatives. The forum was part of a global dialogue on the implementation of the LLDC 3 Programme of Action, with a particular focus on empowering women in politics, the economy and society. Participants emphasised that only by moving from words to action can a sustainable and equitable future be ensured.
Volunteers assist in organising the UN Conference in Turkmenistan
07.08.2025During the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries taking place in Turkmenistan, over 300 student volunteers are actively involved in the organisation. This was reported on the website of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The young volunteers are providing a wide range of support to foreign participants in the event, from information and advisory services to logistics coordination. They meet delegates, help them find their way around the forum venue, participate in the preparation of meetings and events, and introduce guests to the cultural traditions of Turkmenistan. According to the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, a significant number of volunteers are fluent in foreign languages. More than 150 students are involved in working with UN agencies, assisting with organisational tasks.
The ECO has announced its priority support for landlocked countries
07.08.2025On the sidelines of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), a representative of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) spoke, highlighting the organisation's long-standing commitment to supporting such countries. This was reported by the IIC. ‘The Economic Cooperation Organisation is the only regional association in which the vast majority of members, about 70%, do not have access to the sea. We have been working with them for more than three decades, remaining a reliable partner in promoting sustainable development,’ emphasised the ECO representative. He noted that the organisation attaches particular importance to trade and economic integration, the development of transport connectivity and the formation of sustainable logistics chains. Despite the continuing challenges, the ECO is ready to expand its support instruments, seek new mechanisms to stimulate growth and deepen coordination with international partners. In the context of implementing the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024–2034, the ECO plans to intensify work on infrastructure, logistics and investment projects aimed at unlocking the economic potential of LLDC countries.
The plenary session of the Third UN Conference continues in Avaza
07.08.2025The plenary session of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) continues in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. The event brought together delegations from dozens of countries, representatives of international organisations, experts and diplomats, becoming an authoritative platform for the exchange of views on sustainable development issues. This was reported by the IIC. The discussions focus on strengthening transport connectivity, expanding trade and economic cooperation, digitalisation, adaptation to climate change and the implementation of the sustainable growth agenda. Speakers emphasise the need for collective solutions and international solidarity in overcoming the structural challenges faced by LLDCs. Special attention is being paid to the Awaza Programme of Action as a strategic guideline for the period up to 2034. The document aims to improve socio-economic conditions in landlocked countries and strengthen their role in the regional and global development architecture. The holding of the forum in Turkmenistan underscores the country's active participation in international processes and its commitment to promoting constructive dialogue on priority issues of the global agenda.
African LLDCs: from geographical isolation to strategic connectivity
07.08.2025Long perceived as cut off from global economic flows, Africa’s landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) are increasingly demonstrating the potential of connected economies. Their geographical location, previously considered a limitation, is turning into a competitive advantage due to growing regional integration, digital technologies and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. In a new UNDP analytical report, ‘Africa’s Land-Linked Economies: Pathways to Prosperity and Development’, LLDCs are seen as active participants in the continent's transformation processes. The document contains recommendations for overcoming infrastructure and logistical barriers and demonstrates how digitalisation and trade liberalisation are opening up new channels for regional and global cooperation. According to Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Head of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa, ‘connected economies are turning geography into a strategic asset. There is a need to move from commodity dependence to high value-added production and to strengthen investment flows to critical infrastructure.’ LLDCs in Africa already contribute significantly to export flows: diamonds (Botswana, Lesotho, Zimbabwe), copper (Zambia), gold (Burkina Faso, Mali, CAR), coffee (Ethiopia, Uganda), sugar (Eswatini), textiles (Lesotho, Ethiopia). Zambia's average annual exports in 2013–2024 amounted to $9.3 billion, Botswana's to $6.4 billion, and Zimbabwe's to $4.5 billion. At the same time, countries such as Eswatini, Rwanda and Uganda demonstrate a high level of regional integration: more than 30% of their exports go to African markets. Transport infrastructure development remains a key factor. Examples include the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway line, which has reduced freight delivery times from 72 to 12 hours, and the construction of the Malaba-Kampala corridor in Uganda. Ethiopia is banking on its national airline as a link to global markets. Digital tools are helping LLDCs offset logistics costs. Burkina Faso is introducing digital payment systems for farmers, while blockchain solutions in Uganda, Rwanda and Ethiopia are speeding up customs procedures and improving compliance with export standards. As Samuel Doe, UNDP Resident Representative in Ethiopia, emphasised, ‘The move to a land-linked model allows LLDCs to act as bridges between regions rather than being dead ends for development. With the AfCFTA, they can accelerate the exchange of goods, services and data, increasing the resilience of the African economy as a whole.’ This approach is reflected in the Awaza Programme of Action 2024–2034 and is aligned with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Realising this potential requires comprehensive reforms, strategic partnerships and a focus on sustainable development.
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