Policy
Hero Arkadag held a telephone conversation with the President of Azerbaijan
11.08.2025On 10 August, a telephone conversation took place between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The parties noted the high level of bilateral relations and warmly recalled recent visits, emphasising the significance of the agreements reached. During the conversation, the importance of the agreements reached and the documents signed during the visit of the President of Azerbaijan to the United States of America was noted. Ilham Aliyev congratulated Hero Arkadag on the successful holding of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. The role of the trilateral meeting between Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, prospects for the development of transport and communication corridors, as well as issues related to the upcoming Consultative Meeting of Heads of Central Asian countries to be held in Tashkent were discussed. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov invited the President of Azerbaijan to visit Turkmenistan. At the end of the conversation, the parties exchanged best wishes. The conversation took place at the initiative of Azerbaijan.
Turkmenistan has become a platform for uniting 32 landlocked countries
11.08.2025From 5 to 8 August 2025, the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) was held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone in Turkmenistan. The event was attended by Heads of States and Government, delegates from more than 100 countries, representatives of business, international organisations and the media, according to Arzuw.news. The forum was dedicated to finding solutions for 32 countries deprived of access to sea trade routes, home to about 570 million people. The key outcome of the conference was the adoption of the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024–2034. The document covers five areas: structural reforms with a focus on science and innovation, trade integration, transport connectivity, climate resilience and resource mobilisation. By 2034, it is planned to double the share of manufacturing, service exports and high-tech sectors in the economies of the participating countries. The programme includes the creation of regional agricultural research centres, the formation of a High-Level Group on Freedom of Transit and the introduction of mechanisms to attract private investment in infrastructure. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has announced its readiness to invest $10 billion in the development of transport and energy systems. Special attention is being paid to climate issues: there are plans to establish a climate negotiation group and integrate environmental aspects into all areas of the programme. The launch of the Decade of Sustainable Transport from 2026 was also announced. Delegations from Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan took part in the forum's cultural programme. Parallel forums were held for the private sector, parliamentarians and young people. The final political declaration includes monitoring and reporting mechanisms and reaffirms commitment to key international agreements. The Avaza conference became the largest international platform for discussing the problems of the LLDCs and marked the transition from declarations to the implementation of specific projects capable of changing the socio-economic situation in these countries.
Turkmenistan and UNICEF: investing in the future of children
10.08.2025Following the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) in Avaza, UNICEF called on governments and international partners to focus development plans and investments on the needs of children in the world’s most isolated countries. Over four days, the organization participated in key events, including round tables and plenary sessions, emphasizing the importance of decisive action to support the nearly 250 million children living in these countries. This was reported by the IIC. Kitty van der Heijden, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director and head of the delegation, noted that children must be at the centre of national strategies and global initiatives, whether it be digital inclusion or adaptation to climate change. Children in landlocked developing countries face multiple barriers, including limited access to education, health care and other basic services. UNICEF emphasised the need for long-term investment in social services, digital infrastructure and climate-resilient systems that are accessible to all. UNICEF supported the adoption of the Awaza Action Programme (2024–2034) and reaffirmed its commitment to working with international partners to achieve its goals for the benefit of every child.
Turkmenistan's ambassador discusses preparations for neutrality anniversary with Qatari representative
09.08.2025On 6 August, Turkmenistan's Ambassador to Qatar, M. Seyitmammedov, had a working meeting in Doha with the Executive Director of the Permanent Committee for Organizing Conferences of Qatar, Mubarak Ajlan AL-Kuwari. This was reported by the online publication ‘Orient’. During the negotiations, the Turkmen diplomat informed the Qatari side in detail about Turkmenistan's important international initiatives, including the proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. Special attention was paid to the upcoming events in honour of the 30th anniversary of the country's neutral status. The participants discussed practical aspects of the organisational and protocol support for upcoming forums and conferences in Doha. Following the negotiations, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in further cooperation, including the exchange of experience in organising major international events. The meeting took place in a constructive atmosphere, demonstrating the mutual readiness of the parties to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the humanitarian sphere.
Avaza discussed the role of peace and trust in achieving SDG 16
09.08.2025Within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, a parallel high-level event was held on ‘International Year of Peace and Trust: building momentum towards SDG 16 that promotes peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.’ This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA). The discussion focused on the importance of peaceful dialogue, mutual trust and inclusive governance for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16: strengthening justice, creating effective and accountable institutions, and building fair and inclusive societies. The discussion was attended by high-level representatives of states, international organisations and expert circles. Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNRCCA Kaha Imnadze, stressed that peace and trust are the foundation of sustainable development and integration. According to him, the prosperity of landlocked countries is impossible without sustainable political mechanisms, inclusive governance and good neighbourly relations. The participants noted that political stability, mutual trust and multilateral diplomacy are key to the implementation of the Awaza Action Programme, especially in the areas of trade, regional integration and sustainable economic growth.
Turkmenistan summarises key outcomes of UN conference in Avaza
09.08.2025The final press conference on the results of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) was held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the news agency Orient. The UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Rabab Fatima, described the forum as the largest and most ambitious event in the history of the LLDCs. Rabab Fatima thanked Turkmenistan for the high level of organisation and noted that Avaza has become a symbol of new opportunities for 600 million people in these countries, demonstrating their significant potential despite geographical constraints. The conference brought together more than 5,700 participants from 103 countries, 16 Heads of Government, 3 Vice-Presidents and more than 100 ministers, as well as representatives of NGOs and youth. Among the main outcomes were the establishment of an International Day of the LLDCs, the creation of a new climate negotiation group, the launch of a Global Business Network for these countries, and the announcement of a $10 billion investment from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Turkmenistan presented projects in the fields of circular economy, sustainable transport and medicine. Rabab Fatima emphasised that the success of the programme depends on joint efforts by governments, parliamentarians, businesses, civil society and young people. She noted that what matters most are not words, but real actions that will change the lives of millions of people.
UN conference in Turkmenistan highlights importance of multilateral partnership
09.08.2025On 8 August, the National Tourist Zone ‘Avaza’ hosted the closing session of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). This was reported by the news agency Orient. The parties noted that Avaza has become a symbol of new partnership and decisive action. The main outcomes were the Awaza Action Programme and the Awaza Political Declaration, which aim to turn geographical barriers into bridges. Five key priorities were identified: removing infrastructure constraints, developing the economy and production with a focus on agriculture and high-tech industries, integrating into world trade through the simplification of WTO procedures, mobilising resources for adaptation to climate change, and ensuring reliable financing through the expansion of international assistance and access to concessional loans. The UN expressed its support for the implementation of the programme and plans to create a roadmap to monitor progress. The conference emphasised the importance of multilateral cooperation, bringing together governments, business and society to enable landlocked countries to overcome geographical barriers through innovation and trade.
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan discussed key aspects of partnership
09.08.2025Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, held a meeting with Tanzila Narbayeva, Chairwoman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The negotiations took place in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone as part of the national days of Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. The interlocutors noted the strengthening of strategic partnership and friendship between the peoples, discussed the development of economic diplomacy, regional cooperation, as well as plans to intensify bilateral ties and hold joint cultural events.
A briefing on the results of the UN conference was held in Turkmenistan
09.08.2025A briefing on the results of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries was held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. The event was attended by Turkmen and foreign journalists, according to the state news agency TDH. The high-level forum was held from 5 to 8 August and brought together delegations from more than 100 countries, about 50 international organisations, business representatives and over 160 journalists. The main outcome was the adoption of the Awaza Political Declaration and the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024-2034, aimed at supporting landlocked countries. Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov noted the importance of coordinated approaches and strengthening the network of national coordinators for the implementation of the programme. The UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Rabab Fatima, thanked Turkmenistan for the high level of organisation and stressed that ‘Avaza’ is now associated not only with tourism, but also with hope and new opportunities for landlocked countries. The participants of the briefing expressed confidence that the initiatives adopted will help overcome geographical isolation, improve access to investment and global markets, and strengthen integration into the global economy. The forum confirmed the strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and the UN and recognised its contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The President of Turkmenistan sent a congratulatory message to the leadership of Singapore
09.08.2025The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, sent a congratulatory message to the President of the Republic of Singapore, Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, Lawrence Wong, and the people of the country on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Singapore. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, the Head of State emphasised the importance of strengthening friendly ties between Turkmenistan and Singapore and confirmed his readiness to make joint efforts to further expand and develop mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas. Serdar Berdimuhamedov also wished the President and Prime Minister of Singapore good health and well-being, and the people of the country peace, progress and prosperity.
Financial stability of LLDC countries: ways to mobilise resources discussed in Avaza
08.08.2025The Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) included an interactive round table on financial sustainability and resource mobilization. The keynote speech was delivered by Mammetguly Astanagulov, Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, who stressed the importance of a comprehensive and coordinated approach to overcoming the chronic financing gap faced by these countries. This was reported by IIC. ‘Financial constraints remain one of the key challenges for landlocked countries. We must move from discussions to real action to remove these barriers,’ the Minister said. During the discussions, participants identified a number of structural challenges: a limited tax base, declining official development assistance (ODA), reduced inflows of foreign direct investment, growing external debt and vulnerability to global and climate crises. Among the proposed solutions are strengthening national financial systems through modernising tax administration, digitalisation and improving access to financial services. There was a call for the international community to increase aid: it was proposed to raise ODA to 0.2% of developed countries' GNI for the least developed countries, most of which are landlocked. ‘Support should not be episodic, but sustainable and fair, consistent with national priorities and strategies,’ Astanagulov stressed. At the end of the meeting, it was noted that the successful implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024–2034 requires a sustainable global partnership and collective efforts by all stakeholders. ‘Only by joining forces can we ensure that no landlocked state is left behind on the sustainable development agenda,’ Mammetguly Astanagulov concluded.
Avaza discussed challenges and prospects for sustainable development in landlocked countries
08.08.2025Within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), a round table was held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone dedicated to systemic challenges and opportunities for sustainable development of countries in this category. Following the discussions, Tabyldy Muratbekov, Deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic, delivered a report, according to IIC. Participants identified key challenges facing LLDCs, including limited access to global markets, dependence on a narrow range of economic sectors, vulnerability to climate risks and inflationary fluctuations. Particular emphasis was placed on the need for accelerated digitalisation and transition to an innovative development model. It was noted that science and technology play a crucial role in ensuring sustainable growth. Among the initiatives announced were the creation of technology banks, support for small and medium-sized businesses, stimulation of entrepreneurial activity and diversification of economies. Special attention was also paid to the rational use of natural resources as strategic capital requiring a careful and balanced approach. Participants emphasised the importance of regional cooperation as an important tool for strengthening economic stability and promoting shared prosperity. At the conclusion of the round table, it was noted that only a comprehensive transformation of all sectors of the economy will enable landlocked countries to achieve sustainable and inclusive development.
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