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LLDC3: From geographical constraint to strategic advantage
06.08.2025The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) is taking place in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the KARAVAN-INFO information portal. Central Asia is demonstrating how internal geographical isolation can become a growth point: countries in the region are developing transport corridors and joint projects and deepening cooperation in energy and water resources. This allows structural barriers to be overcome — important to remember, the GDP of landlocked countries is 40–60% lower than that of coastal countries, and their share of world trade is less than 1%. The forum is being held under the slogan ‘Driving Progress through partnerships’ and focuses on transport connectivity, trade liberalisation, economic transformation, climate sustainability and the implementation of the SDGs. The key outcome will be the adoption of the Awaza Declaration and an Action Programme for the period up to 2034. Special attention was paid to the visit of Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who delivered a keynote speech, outlined regional priorities and held meetings with leaders of countries and organisations. He was awarded the highest award of Turkmenistan. The Uzbek delegation focused on logistics, digitalisation, climate and global integration. Among Tashkent's initiatives are the creation of a single regional market, the launch of a Central Asian Investment Council, the development of cross-border infrastructure, and ensuring food and environmental security. Strategic areas include the Trans-Afghan railway corridor, participation in the ‘Middle Corridor’ and ‘Belt and Road Initiative’, and the formation of new multimodal routes. The LLDC 3 conference emphasises that geographical constraints are not a sentence, but a challenge that can be overcome through partnership and regional solidarity. Uzbekistan reaffirms its leading role in the sustainable development of the region.
Rwanda's Minister of Trade highlights importance of Awaza Programme of Action
06.08.2025During the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, Rwanda's Minister of Trade and Industry Prudence Sebahizi highlighted the systemic difficulties faced by such countries, particularly in logistics and trade. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. According to him, the delivery of goods is more expensive and time-consuming for such countries than for coastal countries, which reduces their competitiveness. The Minister noted the importance of the Awaza Action Programme for 2024-2034, which offers real solutions, and spoke about Rwanda's steps to improve logistics and attract investment in infrastructure. Among the key priorities, he named political commitment, the development of transport and trade infrastructure, and increasing competitiveness. Prudence Sebahizi called for international solidarity and a strategic approach to solving problems, noting that landlocked countries are ready not only to talk about difficulties, but also to work actively to overcome them.
Turkmenistan and Estonia discussed the current state of bilateral cooperation
06.08.2025On 5 August, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov met with Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Estonia for Economic and Development Affairs Mariin Ratnik in the National Tourist Zone ‘Avaza’. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The sides discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, including interaction within international organisations such as the UN and the EU. The Estonian delegation emphasised the importance of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. Special attention was paid to the development of trade and economic ties, including in the field of digitalisation. Regional and global issues were also discussed. The Turkmen side emphasised the importance of the policy of neutrality and preparations for the International Forum on Peace and Trust, scheduled to take place in Ashgabat in December.
Hero Arkadag and Heads of foreign delegations attended the opening of the Days of Friendly Countries
06.08.2025The opening ceremony of the National Days of Friendly States took place in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone on 5 August. The event was held within the framework of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. The ceremony was attended by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Heads of foreign delegations. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event featured a theatrical literary and musical show dedicated to the significance of the Caspian Sea as a symbol of cooperation and friendship between peoples. During the event, the distinguished guests were welcomed in accordance with the ancient traditions of Turkmen hospitality. Exhibition pavilions were organised in a theatrical complex of sea fountains. Visitors were shown environmentally friendly products grown in Turkmenistan, as well as decorative and applied arts, from carpets and jewellery to wood carvings and traditional ornaments. Special attention was paid to national cuisine: dishes prepared by chefs from friendly countries were offered at special venues. Participants learned about culinary traditions that reflect the richness and diversity of cultures. The connection between cuisine and national holidays, customs and hospitality was emphasised. The exhibition brought together works of painting, textiles, ceramics, jewellery and handicrafts. The exhibits demonstrated both ancient techniques and modern creative approaches. White yurts decorated in national style were set up at the stands of the participating countries. Special attention was paid to Turkmen traditions. The Turkmenistan pavilion featured national costumes, musical instruments and folk crafts. Guests learned about cooking techniques from the book ‘Bereketli Türkmen Saçagy’ by Hero Arkadag, which contains recipes and descriptions of the national dastarkhan. Carpet weaving and embroidery, recognised by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, took centre stage at the exhibition. A collection of national musical instruments was also on display, including the dutar, gopuz, ghijak and gargy tuydyuk. In the evening, a gala concert was held in honour of the conference participants. Artists from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and other countries performed at the event. Songs were sung in many languages, and the performances were accompanied by video projections telling about the culture and traditions of the peoples. A special moment was the performance of a song based on the poems of Hero Arkadag, as well as performances by folk artists Polat Bulbul oglu (Azerbaijan) and Ozodbek Nazarbekov (Uzbekistan). The programme concluded with the traditional kushtdepdi dance, also included in the UNESCO list, a light and music fountain show and fireworks.
Turkmenistan and Russia discussed prospects for expanding interparliamentary ties
06.08.2025On 5 August, a meeting was held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone between the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, with Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Konstantin Kosachev, who arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The sides discussed prospects for strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov thanked the guest for participating in the UN conference. K. Kosachev, in turn, conveyed greetings from Valentina Matvienko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, and expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and high level of organisation of the forum. It was noted that the parliaments of the two countries play a key role in the development of sustainable economic and multilateral relations. K. Kosachev emphasised the strategic nature of relations between Turkmenistan and Russia and the importance of the parliamentary forum for strengthening cooperation. At the end of the meeting, the parties expressed confidence in the further development of bilateral relations, including in the parliamentary sphere.
The President of Turkmenistan met with the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan
06.08.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The guest arrived to participate in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. The Prime Minister of Azerbaijan expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and noted the importance of the conference as a platform for discussing pressing challenges. Ali Asadov conveyed greetings from President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and wishes of prosperity to the Turkmen people. Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed gratitude for participation in the forum and conveyed warm wishes to the Azerbaijani leader. The sides confirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation based on the principles of good-neighbourliness and emphasised the importance of interaction at both the bilateral and international levels. In conclusion, the interlocutors exchanged good wishes and expressed confidence in the further strengthening of partnership.
Head of Turkmenistan received First Vice President of Iran
06.08.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with First Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammad Reza Aref, who arrived to participate in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in the National Tourist Zone ‘Avaza,’. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Iranian guest conveyed greetings from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and congratulated him on the successful organisation of the forum. During the conversation, the parties emphasised the sustainable development of bilateral relations based on the principles of good neighbourliness and equality. They noted productive cooperation in trade, energy, transport, construction and agriculture, as well as growing interaction in the private sector. Special attention was paid to humanitarian ties in culture, science, education and sports. At the end of the meeting, the parties expressed their mutual confidence in the further strengthening of the partnership between Turkmenistan and Iran.
Turkmenistan and China discussed bilateral cooperation
06.08.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Vice-Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Wang Yong, who arrived to participate in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Wang Yong conveyed greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping and noted the importance of the conference for strengthening international cooperation. The Turkmenistan leader emphasised Beijing's contribution to the sustainable development of landlocked countries. Both sides reaffirmed the strategic nature of bilateral relations and effective cooperation at various levels, including international organisations. Special attention was paid to inter-parliamentary ties, cooperation in energy, culture, education and healthcare. The President of Turkmenistan expressed confidence that the meeting would serve as an impetus for the further development of Turkmen-Chinese partnership and wished the guest success in his work.
The President of Turkmenistan held negotiations with the Chairman of the Presidential Council of Libya
06.08.2025On 5 August, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with Chairman of the Presidential Council of Libya Mohamed Yunus Menfi, who arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Head of Turkmenistan warmly welcomed the guest and thanked him for accepting the invitation to the current conference. In turn, Yunus Menfi noted the importance of cooperation with Turkmenistan, which is making efforts to strengthen peace and trust. The Chairman of the Presidential Council of Libya expressed confidence that the conference would help create conditions for transit transport and the development of partnerships between landlocked countries. The sides emphasised the consistent development of bilateral relations based on friendship, mutual respect and equality, as well as the potential for expanding cooperation in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the prospects in the oil and gas sector and expressed confidence in continuing the dialogue to find new forms of partnership. The importance of humanitarian ties in science, culture and sports was also emphasised. At the end of the meeting, the interlocutors reaffirmed their intention to develop friendly relations and wished each other good health and success in their work.
The President of Turkmenistan held a meeting with the King of Eswatini
06.08.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with King Mswati III of Eswatini, who arrived to participate in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) held in the National Tourist Zone ‘Avaza’. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Head of State thanked the distinguished guest for his visit and participation in the international forum, noting the importance of the presence of the Eswatini delegation. The King of Eswatini, in turn, expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and highly appreciated the level of organisation of the event, emphasising the international authority of Turkmenistan. He also congratulated Serdar Berdimuhamedov on Turkmenistan's election as Vice-President of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. During the conversation, the sides emphasised the importance of developing bilateral relations, including within international organisations, and noted the potential for cooperation in the economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. The signing of the Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Turkmenistan and the Kingdom of Eswatini became a symbol of the strengthening of the partnership. The interlocutors expressed confidence in the prospects for long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation contributing to the strengthening of international stability. At the end of the meeting, the sides exchanged best wishes.
The President of Turkmenistan emphasised the relevance of the issues discussed at LLDC 3
06.08.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, speaking at the opening of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), welcomed the participants of the forum and expressed gratitude for their attention to the problems of these states. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The Head of State emphasised the relevance of the issues discussed in the context of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and strategic initiatives of the United Nations. The President of Turkmenistan paid special attention to the humanitarian sphere, stating that people and their well-being are at the centre of Turkmen policy. Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that a significant part of the state budget is allocated to the implementation of social programmes, including healthcare, education and support for vulnerable groups of the population. In this regard, the Head of State presented the initiative ‘Global Medicine of the Future – Solidarity and Cooperation,’ which aims to develop international medical diplomacy under the auspices of the UN. The President of Turkmenistan pointed out that the lack of access to the sea seriously complicates access to medical resources and called for the creation of systemic solutions. Serdar Berdimuhamedov separately emphasised the importance of sustainable transport communications. The President of Turkmenistan recalled the international conferences held by Turkmenistan and the UN resolutions adopted on its initiative. The Head of State proposed to consider the initiative to create a Global Atlas of Sustainable Transport Connectivity. On the environmental agenda, Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need to transition to ‘green’ energy and develop hydrogen technologies. The President of Turkmenistan proposed to start discussions on a Global Hydrogen Energy Transition Programme for 2030–2040 within the framework of the UN. The President also drew attention to the need for fair and rational water use, stressing the importance of international cooperation in solving the problems of the Caspian Sea and the Aral Sea. In particular, the Head of State recalled the Caspian Environmental Initiative and Turkmenistan's proposal to establish a Special Programme of the United Nations for the Aral Sea Basin. In conclusion, Serdar Berdimuhamedov recalled that 2025 has been declared the International Year of Peace and Trust by the UN at the proposal of Turkmenistan and coincides with the 30th anniversary of the recognition of the country's neutrality. He stressed that peace, trust and neutrality are the basis of Turkmenistan's foreign policy and expressed readiness for further cooperation with the international community.
Hero Arkadag thanked the Central Asian states for their support of initiatives
06.08.2025The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, during his speech at an event dedicated to the preparation of the seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of States of Central Asia, expressed gratitude for the support of the initiative to hold this meeting. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The National Leader of the Turkmen people noted that cooperation between the Central Asian states is developing along an upward trajectory, with new mechanisms for interaction being formed, including Consultative Meetings, which have become a sought-after political format. According to Hero Arkadag, the region has achieved a high level of mutual understanding and trust, which allows setting ambitious goals, initiating large-scale projects and strengthening integration into international economic ties. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty paid special attention to energy and transport, emphasising the importance of joint work on diversifying supplies and creating modern transit corridors. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stressed the importance of environmental cooperation, in particular, addressing the problems of the Aral Sea, the Caspian Sea, rational water use and reducing emissions. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty expressed confidence that the combined efforts of the countries of the region and Azerbaijan will contribute to the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The National Leader of the Turkmen people also noted the need to strengthen cultural and humanitarian ties, emphasising the importance of joint work by intellectuals and young people to preserve spiritual and historical traditions. In conclusion, Hero Arkadag expressed confidence in the productive results of the upcoming Consultative Meeting in Tashkent and thanked the participants for their readiness for constructive dialogue.
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