Policy
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.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov chaired the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries
05.08.2025The Secretary-General of the United Nations has officially announced the election of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov as Chairman of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). This was reported by Turkmenportal with reference to the online newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’. In his address, the Head of State emphasised the strategic importance of the conference for promoting key UN initiatives, including the Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Pact for the Future. He noted the importance of a comprehensive approach to addressing the humanitarian, economic, social and environmental problems faced by landlocked countries. A separate emphasis was placed on Turkmenistan's social policy aimed at protecting and supporting citizens, developing human potential and ensuring a high level of medical care. During the forum, Turkmenistan presented a new international initiative aimed at promoting sustainable development and strengthening global partnership. Serdar Berdimuhamedov also recalled Turkmenistan's earlier international proposals and confirmed the country's readiness to continue actively participating in addressing global challenges and expanding international cooperation. The conference continues with the participation of representatives of landlocked countries and international organisations.
King Mswati III at the UN Conference emphasised the importance of international cooperation
05.08.2025King Mswati III of Eswatini delivered a speech at the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Turkmenistan for the high level of organisation of the forum and noted that its agenda fully reflects the aspirations of the kingdom, according to IIC. Addressing the Heads of States, UN representatives and international delegations, the King stressed that the lack of access to the sea is not just a geographical feature, but a serious challenge to development. ‘High transport costs and vulnerability to external shocks are slowing our progress, but these difficulties encourage us to think innovatively and seek opportunities for cooperation,’ Mswati III said. According to the monarch, Eswatini is focusing on infrastructure development, railway modernisation, digital transformation and simplification of customs procedures. These measures are aimed at improving regional connectivity, reducing trade costs and increasing competitiveness. In the field of innovation, Eswatini is actively developing a science and technology park, promoting biotechnology and digital solutions, expanding access to broadband and improving digital literacy. At the same time, electronic customs systems are being improved, which speeds up trade and promotes regional integration. ‘Partnership is the foundation of Eswatini's strategy,’ the King emphasised, adding that the country has already ratified the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation and, together with the World Bank, has launched a national trade information portal to facilitate business access to global markets. In conclusion, Mswati III expressed confidence that international cooperation and regional infrastructure development would help landlocked countries turn their geographical constraints into new opportunities.
The President of Kazakhstan spoke at the Third UN Conference in Turkmenistan
05.08.2025The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). This was reported by IIC. The Head of State expressed his gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan for the high level of organisation of the forum and the warm welcome, and also thanked UN Secretary-General António Guterres for his continued support for landlocked countries. In his speech, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev recalled that it was Kazakhstan that initiated the first UN conference on LLDCs in 2003, laying the foundation for the international agenda in this area. According to him, the current meeting at the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Complex gives new impetus to the joint efforts of 32 states representing more than 500 million people. The President of Kazakhstan stressed that limited transport and logistics connectivity remains a key challenge for landlocked countries. High transit and trade costs reduce their competitiveness and increase social vulnerability, while global conflicts, sanctions and supply chain disruptions create additional challenges. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for such states to be considered full partners in shaping the global agenda, strengthening international cooperation. He expressed his full support for the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024–2034, which, in his opinion, serves as a ‘roadmap to a sustainable, inclusive and interconnected future.’
Rabab Fatima: Geographical location should not determine the fate of nations
05.08.2025At the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), the UN High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Rabab Fatima, stated that geography should not determine the future of states. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. According to her, despite structural difficulties, these countries have potential, resources and ambitions. Rabab Fatima emphasised the importance of international partnerships, digital and transport connectivity, and economic transformation. She announced the launch of the Awaza Action Programme for the next decade, which includes more than 320 projects. Particular attention is paid to freedom of transit, climate resilience and the role of the private sector. Concluding her speech, Rabab Fatima called for concrete action, noting that the success of the conference would be measured not by statements but by real change.
Kyrgyzstan calls for a new development strategy for landlocked countries at the forum in Avaza
05.08.2025The Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, Adylbek Kasymaliyev, spoke at the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. Adylbek Kasymaliyev thanked the government and people of Turkmenistan for the warm welcome and organisation of the forum. Adylbek Kasymaliyev conveyed greetings on behalf of the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Zhaparov, and emphasised the importance of the conference as a platform for joint action by 32 countries representing over 570 million people on four continents. He noted the common challenges faced by such countries: isolation, high transport costs, low economic diversification, investment deficits, digital inequality and climate risks. Previous programmes, including those in Almaty and Vienna, had not produced the expected results. According to Adylbek Kasymaliyev, the new Awaza Programme of Action for 2024–2034 opens up opportunities for improved coordination between countries and international institutions. Kyrgyzstan, in particular, is promoting major infrastructure projects such as the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and airport modernisation, and is participating in regional initiatives such as CASA-1000. In conclusion, he expressed confidence that with political will and the support of the international community, landlocked countries will be able to turn their geographical location into an advantage.
The Civil Society Forum in Avaza continued its work through thematic sessions
05.08.2025The Civil Society Forum, held within the framework of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), continued its work in thematic sessions. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. At the session on the digital economy and sustainable development, participants discussed the opportunities for digital transformation, the importance of equal access to technology, infrastructure development and support for innovative ecosystems. Particular attention was paid to the use of AI and blockchain to implement the Awaza Programme of Action aimed at overcoming the geographical and infrastructural constraints of such countries. The role of Turkmenistan, where large-scale projects are being implemented to expand digital and mobile services, including for remote regions of the country, was highlighted separately.
Nepal's Permanent Representative to the UN spoke at a conference in Avaza
05.08.2025On the sidelines of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, Nepal's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Lok Bahadur Thapa delivered a speech. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. He emphasised the importance of the forum as a platform for developing a sustainable development strategy for such countries and thanked Turkmenistan for the high level of organisation. The diplomat noted that more than 570 million people in these countries face serious challenges, including limited transport accessibility, high logistics costs, remoteness from markets, as well as climatic and geopolitical risks. The Permanent Representative of Nepal called for coordinated international efforts, supported the Agdam Action Programme and stressed the importance of aligning this programme with the UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. In conclusion, he called for increased support and strengthened cooperation for sustainable and inclusive growth.
UN Secretary-General calls for support for landlocked countries at forum in Avaza
05.08.2025UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a speech at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), which is taking place in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The UN Secretary-General noted that landlocked countries continue to face serious challenges on the path to sustainable development, despite the progress achieved. The UN Head called on the international community to strengthen its support for landlocked countries by ensuring their equal opportunities in the global economy. António Guterres paid particular attention to sustainable logistics, digital transformation, infrastructure modernisation, and improving access to healthcare, education and social services. In conclusion, Mr Guterres stressed that international cooperation must be the basis for developing new strategies aimed at reducing inequality and increasing the resilience of such countries to economic and climate shocks.
The President of Turkmenistan announced initiatives to strengthen international ties
05.08.2025The Third United Nations Conference on the Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) opened in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov delivered a welcoming speech, emphasising the importance of the forum and key UN programmes, including the Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Pact for the Future. The Head of State noted the need for a comprehensive approach to humanitarian, economic, social and environmental issues in such countries. Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted Turkmenistan's social policy aimed at protecting and supporting the population, developing its potential and ensuring a high level of medical care. The President of Turkmenistan also drew attention to the difficulties faced by landlocked countries due to limited access to international transport corridors, which complicates the delivery of humanitarian aid and the sustainability of social infrastructure. Turkmenistan is ready to offer practical measures and cooperate with the UN. The speech also noted the country's active role in international transport cooperation, including the hosting of the first global conference on sustainable transport at the UN and six General Assembly resolutions initiated by Turkmenistan. The Head of State recalled the proposal to create a new format of international partnership for the sustainable development of landlocked countries, announced at the World Government Summit in Dubai in 2024. Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed confidence in Turkmenistan's continued active contribution to addressing global challenges and strengthening international cooperation.
Avaza hosted an event to prepare for the meeting of Heads of Central Asian States
05.08.2025On August 5, an event dedicated to preparations for the seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia was held at the Congress Center of the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone under the chairmanship of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The meeting is of particular importance as it is being held on the eve of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, confirming Turkmenistan's growing international authority. Consultative meetings of Central Asian leaders have already established themselves as an effective platform for discussing key areas of regional cooperation. Opening the forum, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov thanked the participants for attending the conference and noted that the current event is a step towards the upcoming meeting in Tashkent. During the forum, he announced that Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was awarded the Order ‘For Contribution to the Development of Cooperation.’ The award was given for his significant contribution to strengthening bilateral relations and developing partnership between the peoples of the two countries.
The President of Uzbekistan expressed gratitude to the Hero Arkadag and the President of Turkmenistan
05.08.2025During the solemn ceremony marking the opening of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev thanked the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov for awarding the Order ‘For Contribution to the Development of Cooperation’. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. ‘It is a great honour for me to receive this award in the presence of distinguished colleagues, members of delegations and representatives of the public. I regard it as a sign of special respect for Uzbekistan and recognition of our joint efforts to strengthen friendship, good-neighbourliness and mutual trust in Central Asia,’ Mirziyoyev said. The Head of Uzbekistan also recalled his first visit to Turkmenistan in 2017, which, according to him, marked the starting point for the intensification of bilateral cooperation. Over the past years, relations between the countries have strengthened, trade turnover has increased, and large-scale projects in the economic and humanitarian spheres have been implemented. Shavkat Mirziyoyev paid special attention to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's contribution to the development of regional dialogue and the strengthening of unity between the countries of Central Asia. ‘Today, the international community recognises our joint success in shaping a new model of regional cooperation. This is an achievement of all the brotherly countries of the region,’ the President of Uzbekistan emphasised. Concluding his speech, Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed hope that the current UN conference and the December Global Summit in Ashgabat within the framework of the International Year of Peace and Trust will be a step towards further deepening regional dialogue and cooperation.
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