On 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.’
A 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.
UN 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.
In 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 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.
Today, 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 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.
Today, 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.
The Private Sector Forum, which will be held as part of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), will serve as a platform for promoting Turkmen small and medium-sized businesses at the international level. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Special attention will be paid to the role of entrepreneurship in overcoming geographical constraints. The ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone will host sessions on investment, logistics, trade and digitalisation. Turkmen businesspeople will present their projects, establish contacts with foreign partners and discuss opportunities for cooperation. A separate focus of the forum will be the introduction of innovations and digital solutions in the private sector. Turkmenistan intends to share its experience and strengthen cooperation with international structures, including UN agencies, financial institutions and donors. The UN conference covers the interests of 32 countries and more than 570 million people, underscoring its global significance.
Turkmenistan is actively preparing for the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. Representatives of 32 such countries, as well as Heads of State, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, international organisations, financial institutions and representatives of the private sector will gather in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. The conference programme includes the opening and closing ceremonies, five round tables, seven high-level forums (including youth, women's and parliamentary forums), as well as thematic events on transport, sustainable energy and other important issues. Exhibitions, Central Asian national days and an official dinner hosted by the Government of Turkmenistan are also planned. Special attention will be paid to youth policy, as Turkmenistan has created favourable conditions for the education and development of young people. The forum in Avaza is intended to serve as a platform for the implementation of such initiatives and the strengthening of peace and cooperation between countries. The conference will strengthen international cooperation. Avaza once again confirms its status as a centre for important international forums and cultural exchange.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres will participate in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), which will be held in Turkmenistan's ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the online publication Arzuw.news. The participation of the UN Secretary-General underscores the high international status of the event, which is held once every ten years. The conference will focus on sustainable development issues in 32 countries that lack direct access to sea routes. The central document of the forum will be the Avaza Action Programme until 2034, previously approved by the UN General Assembly. The conference will include plenary sessions, high-level round tables and a private sector forum aimed at expanding international cooperation and attracting investment to these countries.
The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, will take part in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), which will be held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The event will be attended by representatives of 32 states, Heads of government, representatives of UN member states, as well as UN Secretary-General António Guterres and his deputies. Representatives of international and regional organisations, legislative bodies, financial institutions, public associations and the private sector will also join the work. During the conference, thematic exhibitions will be organised at the venues, including exhibitions prepared by the Turkmen side. National days of Central Asian countries, cultural performances and a gala concert with the participation of artists and cultural figures are planned.