Policy
Parliamentary forum in Avaza: new agenda for landlocked countries
04.08.2025A parliamentary forum dedicated to the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries opened in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. The event brought together parliamentarians from around the world to discuss the role of legislative bodies in implementing the new Awaza Programme of Action (APoA), IIC reports. The forum is attended by representatives of national parliaments, international organisations, academia, civil society and business. Key partners include the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), confirming the high status of the meeting. The aim of the forum is to develop parliamentary recommendations and mechanisms for the effective implementation of the APoA, as well as to discuss challenges and opportunities for landlocked countries. The forum programme includes a high-level segment and interactive panel discussions, where participants will exchange experiences and discuss the integration of APoA priorities into the legislative and oversight activities of parliaments.
Vice President of Malawi welcomed in Turkmenistan
04.08.2025Vice President of the Republic of Malawi Michael Bizwick Usi arrived in Turkmenistan 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 IIC of Turkmenistan. The forum is discussing issues of transport connectivity, digital integration and sustainable growth of landlocked countries. The participation of the Vice President of the Republic of Malawi underscores the country's commitment to international cooperation and addressing common challenges. The LLDC 3 conference aims to develop coordinated measures to integrate these countries into the global economy. The result will be the Awaza Programme of Action until 2034.
The Prime Minister of Uganda arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in LLDC 3
04.08.2025Prime Minister of Uganda Robinah Nabbanja 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. She was met at Turkmenbashi International Airport by Deputy Prime Minister Hojamyrat Geldimyradov. Ms. Nabbanja is expected to deliver a message from Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. The conference is dedicated to finding solutions for the socio-economic development of landlocked countries. Previous forums were held in Vienna (2014) and Almaty (2003). Today, the LLDC group includes 32 countries: 15 in Africa, 12 in Asia, 2 in Europe and 2 in South America.
UN High Representative expresses gratitude to Turkmenistan
04.08.2025The UN High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Rabab Fatima, thanked the government of Turkmenistan for hosting the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. In a post on her social media page, the UN representative expressed her ‘deep appreciation to the Government of Turkmenistan for its outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment and generous hospitality.’ The flag-raising ceremony to mark the start of the conference took place on 3 August in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. The event was attended by Rabab Fatima and Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov. The UN flag was solemnly raised alongside the national flag of Turkmenistan. According to the UN High Representative, this gesture symbolised the unity, solidarity and shared commitment of the 32 countries participating in the forum. In her remarks, Rabab Fatima emphasised the importance of consolidating efforts to promote the interests of landlocked countries and expressed her gratitude to the conference partners for their efforts.
Head of Azerbaijani Parliament arrived in Turkmenistan
04.08.2025On 3 August, a delegation from the Azerbaijani parliament, led by Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova, arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the Inter-Parliamentary Forum held within the framework of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). This was reported by the news agency Orient. She was met at the Turkmenbashi International Airport by representatives of the Turkmen parliament and the Azerbaijani embassy. Sahiba Gafarova will chair the first session of the Inter-Parliamentary Forum. During her visit, she will speak at the forum and hold a series of bilateral meetings. High-ranking representatives of the UN, the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Turkmenistan parliament are expected to attend. The theme of the session is ‘From Vienna to Avaza: Unresolved Issues, Lessons Learned, and Next Steps.’
Turkmenistan Embassy hosts meeting with Lahore CCI Secretary General
04.08.2025A meeting with a delegation from the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by Secretary General Shahid Khalil, was held at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The parties discussed prospects for expanding trade and economic cooperation between Turkmenistan and Pakistan. The focus was on establishing direct contacts between businesses in the two countries, participating in exhibitions, forums and business missions, as well as exchanging experience between business associations. The importance of utilising Turkmenistan's transport and logistics potential as a transit hub between Central and South Asia was particularly emphasised. Possible areas of partnership were discussed, including transport, energy, agriculture, textiles and the chemical industry. The parties expressed their readiness to strengthen sustainable and mutually beneficial cooperation.
António Guterres called participation in the forum in Turkmenistan an honor
04.08.2025UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasised the importance of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), which, according to him, contributes to finding solutions to global problems and meets the goals of sustainable development. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. On 3 August, António Guterres arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the above-mentioned conference. The event will be held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone and is considered one of the key international events reflecting the UN's support for Turkmenistan's initiatives. The UN Secretary-General noted that holding the conference in Turkmenistan is recognition of the country's contribution to international cooperation. The distinguished guest was greeted with national honours at the international airport in Turkmenbashi, presented with bouquets of flowers and offered bread and salt. The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, warmly welcomed the UN Secretary-General and expressed his delight at his visit. During the meeting, Hero Arkadag noted that the unanimous adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution related to the conference confirms the high international authority of Turkmenistan as a neutral state. Confidence was expressed that the agreements reached will have a positive impact on the economic development of landlocked countries and strengthen interregional and international ties in the field of trade and transport. Special attention was paid to the fact that the conference will be held in the year of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN, which gives the event symbolic significance. It is expected that parallel sessions, business meetings and discussions within the framework of the forum will lead to the development of concrete steps to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It was also emphasised that the event will create additional opportunities for expanding international transport cooperation, increasing trade and raising living standards in developing countries. At the end of the meeting, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov thanked the UN Secretary-General for his participation and support in organising such a significant event in Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan Finance Minister meets UN representatives in Avaza
04.08.2025In the conference hall of the ‘Berkarar’ Hotel in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, a meeting was held between the Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan Mammetguly Astanagulov, the Director of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation, Dima Al-Khatib and the Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Fatou Haidara. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed ways to expand cooperation and implement joint projects in the field of sustainable development, industry and innovative economy. Special attention was paid to preparations for the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening partnership and coordination of actions on international platforms.
UN Secretary-General arrives in Turkmenistan to participate in LLDC 3
03.08.2025UN Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Turkmenistan on 3 August to participate in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). The forum will be held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, according to the news website Turkmenportal. A. Guterres was met at the Turkmenbashi International Airport by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. Hero Arkadag welcomed the guest and expressed his satisfaction with his visit. The UN Secretary-General, in response, emphasised the importance of the forum and thanked the country's leadership for their hospitality and support in organising the event.
UN and Turkmenistan flags raised in Avaza ahead of important conference
03.08.2025Today, a solemn ceremony of raising national flags was held in Avaza, opening the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. This landmark event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and high-ranking UN representative Rabab Fatima. This was reported by the IIC. In his speech, the Foreign Affairs Minister emphasised the symbolic nature of the forum being held in the year of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the UN, noting the importance of international solidarity and transport integration for sustainable development. The UN representative expressed gratitude to Turkmenistan for organising the event, which will serve as a platform for developing economic growth strategies. The ceremony, attended by an honorary guard and accompanied by the national anthems, demonstrated Turkmenistan's commitment to the principles of multilateral cooperation. This event marks the beginning of five days of intensive dialogue, during which 32 countries will discuss ways to strengthen transport and trade links. The holding of such a significant international forum in Avaza confirms Turkmenistan's growing authority in addressing global issues and its role as a reliable partner in the Central Asian region.
King of Eswatini arrives in Turkmenistan to attend international event
03.08.2025King Mswati III of Eswatini (Swaziland) arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The high-ranking guest was welcomed at Turkmenbashi International Airport by official representatives of Turkmenistan. The upcoming conference will be a key platform for discussing the challenges faced by countries without direct access to global sea routes. The presence of the King of Eswatini at the forum demonstrates the country's desire to intensify international cooperation, strengthen its position in global trade and find new paths to sustainable development.
Turkmenistan welcomes first participants of UN conference
03.08.2025Today, the first delegates of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries began arriving in Avaza. The guests were welcomed at the Turkmenbashi International Airport, from where they were transported to modern hotels in the tourist zone. This was reported by the IIC. For the convenience of conference participants, special transport bearing the event's logo will run between hotels and conference venues throughout the forum. Before the official opening of the conference on 4 August, guests will have the opportunity to learn about the cultural heritage of Turkmenistan. A programme has been prepared for them, including visits to exhibitions and concerts showcasing the country's rich traditions. Avaza already has successful experience in hosting major international events. In 2022, it hosted a conference of transport ministers under the auspices of the United Nations. The current forum will be a new milestone in the history of the tourist zone as a platform for dialogue on global issues.
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