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.
The Civil Society Forum, held as part of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), continues in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by IIC Turkmenistan. Forum participants called for a review of current approaches to sustainable development, focusing on the role of local communities and the need for equitable partnerships. The representative of Zambia noted that sustainability is not possible without inclusive economic planning that addresses the needs of vulnerable groups, including farmers and workers in the informal sector. Particular attention is being paid to the involvement of women, youth and communities in decision-making. Experts also stressed the importance of transitioning from a resource-dependent economy to a model based on equality, dignity and environmental sustainability as a guarantee of long-term growth.
The Deputy Chairman of the National Trade Unions Centre of Turkmenistan, Kadyr Amandurdyev, spoke at the Civil Society Forum in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. K. Amandurdyev emphasised the importance of sustainable development for the country and noted the active role of trade unions in this process. According to him, particular attention is being paid to issues of gender equality, the ‘green’ economy and the involvement of workers in transformation processes. Trade unions contribute to legal reforms, improving working conditions and international exchange of experience. K. Amandurdyev called for strengthening the partnership between the state, employers and civil society, emphasising that ‘people must remain at the centre of everything.’
Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), which is being held in the ‘Avaza’ tourist zone. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The forum is held every ten years and aims to take stock of previous programmes and develop new development guidelines. The focus is on international cooperation, transport infrastructure development, trade facilitation, climate resilience and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
During the UN forum in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, participants discussed key issues of fair environmental transition and sustainable economic growth. This was reported by IIC Turkmenistan. The representative of Uganda stressed that ‘green’ growth should not exacerbate existing global inequalities. In her opinion, this requires serious structural changes in the economy, including the development of manufacturing, increasing added value and the formation of modern service sectors. Particular attention was paid to strengthening national sovereignty in environmental policy. The participant expressed concern that many environmental and trade standards are developed outside developing countries and do not take into account their specific characteristics. European initiatives that create barriers for small producers and informal sectors were cited as examples. Proposals included the development of national green industrial strategies, the development of local and regional production chains, support for sustainable industries and the transition to a circular economy. The importance of the state's role in coordinating processes, attracting investment, transferring technology and providing sustainable financing was emphasised. The need to reform the international trade and financial systems to create fair and inclusive rules that ensure equal opportunities for landlocked countries was also discussed.
Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The forum is being held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone and brings together delegations from various countries, international organisations and businesses. The Prime Minister of Nepal was met at the airport by official representatives. The participation of the Prime Minister of Nepal underscores the country's commitment to contributing to international efforts to support countries facing geographical isolation and to strengthening regional cooperation.
At the Civil Society Forum held as part of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, a representative of Uzbekistan presented a number of initiatives aimed at achieving the SDGs, developing infrastructure and addressing environmental issues. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. He noted that due to reforms, the poverty level in the country has decreased from 18% to 7% since 2016. Transport integration was a key focus of the presentation, with the Trans-Afghan Railway Corridor project connecting Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan being presented. In the environmental section, Uzbekistan presented its National Climate Strategy, which aims to reduce emissions by 35% by 2030. Special mention was made of the work of the Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund for the Aral Sea Region, supported by the UN, which implements projects in the fields of water supply, medicine and employment. Emphasising the role of civil society, the representative of Uzbekistan called for the joint implementation of social initiatives and expressed support for the Awaza Programme of Action.