News
UN seeks solutions for landlocked countries: conference in Turkmenistan
06.08.2025The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) is being held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. Delegates have gathered to discuss ways to overcome geographical barriers hindering the development of these countries. This was reported by the news agency Orient. Turkmenistan's President Serdar Berdimuhamedov shared information about national initiatives to strengthen international cooperation in the fields of ecology and health, including the problem of the drying up of the Aral Sea and the shallowing of the Caspian Sea. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed that geography should not determine destiny, and that the current global economic system only exacerbates inequality and marginalisation of LLDCs. The UN Secretary-General called for a new decade of ambition based on the Awaza Programme of Action. UN General Assembly President Philémon Yang recalled the deadlines for the 2030 Agenda and announced the establishment of an International Day for Awareness of LLDC Issues on 6 August. President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Lok Bahadur Thapa called the conference a turning point, noting the importance of regional cooperation and sustainable transport. He reaffirmed his commitment to implementing the programme, including the food security and climate goals. The main message of the forum was to transform the vulnerability of landlocked countries into opportunities for development.
Azerbaijan National Days in Avaza: culture, art and traditions
05.08.2025As part of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone is hosting Azerbaijan National Days. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The aim of the event is to introduce the international community to the country's rich culture, history and artistic traditions. The Azerbaijan pavilion is open in the conference hall, where books, brochures, souvenirs, carpets, kilims and examples of decorative and applied arts reflecting the centuries-old cultural heritage are on display. An open-air art exhibition, ‘Pearls of Azerbaijan's National Heritage,’ features exhibits from the National Carpet Museum. Guests can view carpets, shebeke, intarsia, jewellery, tekelduz embroidery and khalagai. The programme is complemented by master classes on carpet weaving, shebeke art, jewellery making and traditional kalaghai production. A separate section of the exhibition is dedicated to gastronomy, where visitors can taste traditional dishes and sweets of Azerbaijani cuisine and learn about its unique culinary traditions. The concert programme includes a gala concert on 5 August in honour of the opening of the conference, a festive concert on 6 August dedicated to Azerbaijan National Days, and a closing gala concert on 8 August featuring the country's leading artists.
A briefing was held in Turkmenistan to mark the start of the LLDC 3 plenary session
05.08.2025On 5 August, a briefing was held in the National Tourist Zone to mark the start of the plenary session of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event was moderated by Al Arabiya TV presenter Riz Khan. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov, and UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States Rabab Fatima addressed the participants. The speakers emphasised the key role of the LLDC 3 conference in supporting the sustainable and inclusive development of landlocked countries. Particular attention was paid to the importance of the decisions taken at the forum for stimulating economic growth in these countries. The briefing also noted the symbolic importance of the event, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's policy of permanent neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. The meeting concluded with a question-and-answer session.
The National Leader of the Turkmen people held a meeting with Rustam Minnikhanov
05.08.2025The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held negotiations with the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation, Rustam Minnikhanov, who arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The negotiations took place on the sidelines of the international forum, which is being attended by a delegation from Tatarstan. During the talks, issues related to strengthening the partnership between Turkmenistan and Tatarstan, including in the trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres, were discussed. The parties confirmed their mutual interest in developing traditionally friendly ties and expanding multilateral cooperation.
Turkmen experts participated in a seminar on industrial parks in China
05.08.2025A group of Turkmen specialists took part in an international seminar on the construction and management of industrial parks, which was held in the Chinese cities of Tianjin and Shenzhen from 17 to 30 July this year. The event, organised by TEDA (Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Area) with the support of the Chinese government, brought together representatives from five Central Asian countries. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The Turkmen delegation included representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Construction Production, the Ministry of Construction and Architecture, and the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction. As part of the programme, participants visited leading economic zones in China and studied modern approaches to the design and management of industrial parks. Particular attention was paid to environmentally sustainable solutions, including ‘green’ technologies and emission control systems. Chinese colleagues shared their experience of integrating industrial, residential and business areas into a single urban space, taking into account transport accessibility and a comfortable environment. The knowledge gained and professional contacts established will contribute to the modernisation of the construction industry in Turkmenistan and the introduction of innovative solutions in the development of the country's industrial infrastructure.
Turkmenistan and Georgia strengthen cooperation and political dialogue
05.08.2025On 5 August 2025, a meeting was held between Rashid Meredov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, and Maka Botchorishvili, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The interlocutors discussed a wide range of issues of Turkmen-Georgian cooperation, covering political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. They noted the importance of maintaining regular contacts, including mutual visits at the highest and senior levels, as well as holding regular consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries. The ministers emphasised the high level of political dialogue and productive interaction in international organisations. The participation of the Georgian delegation in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries was further confirmation of the close partnership within the United Nations. The sides paid special attention to the prospects for expanding trade and economic relations, including in the transport, logistics and energy spheres, as well as to the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation. The Foreign Affairs Ministry Heads expressed their readiness to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation based on the principles of trust and mutual respect.
Turkmen scientists studied the experience of Spanish technology parks for the development of innovation
05.08.2025From 27 to 30 July, representatives of the International Scientific‑Technological Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan visited Spain to study the experience of innovative centres and establish international cooperation. This was reported by the online publication Turkmenportal. During the visit, the Turkmen delegation met with the Chief Executive Officer of the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) Ebba Lund. The negotiations focused on the Turkmen technopark's accession to the association. A presentation on the activities and development prospects of the Turkmen Scientific‑Technological Park was given to the Spanish side. An important part of the programme was a visit to the ‘MalagaTechPark’ technology park in Malaga, which brings together 770 resident companies and provides jobs for 25,000 specialists. The Park has significant experience in agriculture, biotechnology and digital solutions. Following the visit, the parties agreed to develop cooperation in the implementation of joint scientific projects, exchange experience in the creation of free economic zones and the commercialisation of scientific developments. These initiatives are aimed at further developing Turkmenistan's innovative infrastructure.
Turkmenistan and Qatar discussed expanding bilateral ties
05.08.2025On 4 August, Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Bayramgul Orazgeldiyeva met with Qatar's Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maryam bint Ali Al-Misnad. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. During the negotiations, the parties discussed topical issues of strengthening bilateral interaction and expanding cooperation between Turkmenistan and Qatar. Particular attention was paid to promising areas of partnership of mutual interest. The main goal of the meeting was to develop diplomatic ties and deepen cooperation in various areas. Following the dialogue, the participants confirmed their commitment to continue working on joint initiatives and projects aimed at strengthening Turkmen-Qatari relations.
Armenian President calls for expanded international cooperation at LLDC 3
05.08.2025President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan addressed the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Vahagn Khachaturyan emphasised that landlocked countries face serious barriers, ranging from high logistics costs to limited access to global markets. The President of Armenia called for coordinated efforts to overcome these challenges and achieve sustainable development goals. Separately, Vahagn Khachaturyan noted the need to remove political obstacles to the free movement of goods and people and stressed the importance of regional cooperation. The President of Armenia also called on the international community to include such countries in the processes of digitalisation and the ‘green’ transition. Vahagn Khachaturyan said that the Armenian government had launched an initiative aimed at strengthening peace and expanding transport and economic ties. According to the President of Armenia, only joint action will help improve the lives of more than 570 million people living in 32 landlocked countries.
Turkmenistan and Romania strengthen business ties
05.08.2025A meeting between Annamammet Annayev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Romania, and Ruxandra Serescu, Director General of the Constanta Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, took place in Constanta. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The parties discussed prospects for economic cooperation, focusing on energy, logistics, construction, textiles, agriculture and investment. The Ambassador presented the economic potential of Turkmenistan and proposed establishing direct links with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of the country. During the meeting, possible formats for cooperation, memoranda, business forums and exchange of delegations were discussed. The Director General of the Constanta Chamber of Commerce and Industry expressed interest in developing the partnership, supported the idea of signing a memorandum and confirmed her readiness to invite Turkmen companies to exhibitions and fairs in Constanta.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov proposed developing a global programme for hydrogen energy
05.08.2025During his speech at the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov proposed an initiative to create a global programme for the transition to hydrogen energy for 2030–2040. This was reported by Arzuw.news. The Head of State proposed to start discussing mechanisms for forming a hydrogen energy programme within the UN as early as 2026, emphasising Turkmenistan's readiness to actively participate in the development of this area and expand international cooperation in the field of renewable energy sources. Serdar Berdimuhamedov drew attention to the importance of compliance with international environmental standards and climate agreements by all participants in the global energy system — producers, transit countries and consumers of energy resources. In his speech, the President also recalled the earlier initiative to develop a global framework programme for the transition to a circular economy, emphasising that Turkmenistan consistently advocates the creation of an environmentally sustainable production model that contributes to the preservation of the environment.
President of Turkmenistan proposes UN to step up efforts on Caspian and Aral Sea issues
05.08.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov addressed the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). The Head of State called for intensifying international cooperation on two key environmental initiatives of Turkmenistan – the creation of the Caspian Environmental Platform and the development of a specialised UN programme for the Aral Sea, according to Arzuw.news. Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the global nature of the environmental challenges facing the Caspian Sea, including its shallowing, and noted the need for coordinated international efforts. He recalled the Caspian Environmental Initiative presented by Turkmenistan at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, calling for the development of this platform as a basis for global environmental dialogue. The President of Turkmenistan also reaffirmed his country's unwavering position on the preservation of the Aral Sea and called for the creation of a specialised UN programme for the Aral Sea basin. According to him, the rational use of water resources is an important part of the international agenda, and equal access to water is a fundamental human right.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
