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African LLDCs: from geographical isolation to strategic connectivity
07.08.2025Long perceived as cut off from global economic flows, Africa’s landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) are increasingly demonstrating the potential of connected economies. Their geographical location, previously considered a limitation, is turning into a competitive advantage due to growing regional integration, digital technologies and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. In a new UNDP analytical report, ‘Africa’s Land-Linked Economies: Pathways to Prosperity and Development’, LLDCs are seen as active participants in the continent's transformation processes. The document contains recommendations for overcoming infrastructure and logistical barriers and demonstrates how digitalisation and trade liberalisation are opening up new channels for regional and global cooperation. According to Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Head of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa, ‘connected economies are turning geography into a strategic asset. There is a need to move from commodity dependence to high value-added production and to strengthen investment flows to critical infrastructure.’ LLDCs in Africa already contribute significantly to export flows: diamonds (Botswana, Lesotho, Zimbabwe), copper (Zambia), gold (Burkina Faso, Mali, CAR), coffee (Ethiopia, Uganda), sugar (Eswatini), textiles (Lesotho, Ethiopia). Zambia's average annual exports in 2013–2024 amounted to $9.3 billion, Botswana's to $6.4 billion, and Zimbabwe's to $4.5 billion. At the same time, countries such as Eswatini, Rwanda and Uganda demonstrate a high level of regional integration: more than 30% of their exports go to African markets. Transport infrastructure development remains a key factor. Examples include the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway line, which has reduced freight delivery times from 72 to 12 hours, and the construction of the Malaba-Kampala corridor in Uganda. Ethiopia is banking on its national airline as a link to global markets. Digital tools are helping LLDCs offset logistics costs. Burkina Faso is introducing digital payment systems for farmers, while blockchain solutions in Uganda, Rwanda and Ethiopia are speeding up customs procedures and improving compliance with export standards. As Samuel Doe, UNDP Resident Representative in Ethiopia, emphasised, ‘The move to a land-linked model allows LLDCs to act as bridges between regions rather than being dead ends for development. With the AfCFTA, they can accelerate the exchange of goods, services and data, increasing the resilience of the African economy as a whole.’ This approach is reflected in the Awaza Programme of Action 2024–2034 and is aligned with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Realising this potential requires comprehensive reforms, strategic partnerships and a focus on sustainable development.
Turkmenistan strengthens international ties at UN conference
07.08.2025The Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries became a platform not only for global discussions, but also for active bilateral diplomacy. Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov held a series of productive meetings and signed important agreements expanding international cooperation. This was reported by the Orient news agency. Particular attention was paid to new agreements with African countries — protocols on political consultations were signed with Burkina Faso and Malawi. Malawi's Vice President Michael Bizwick Usi noted that this opens up prospects for financing projects in energy and infrastructure. Diplomatic relations have also been established with the Kingdom of Eswatini, agreements have been signed with Slovakia on economic cooperation, a technical assistance project for customs digitalisation and a plan to prevent extremism in Central Asia for 2025. Minister Rashid Meredov held meetings with his counterparts from Qatar, Iran and Georgia, discussing the implementation of previously reached agreements, transport and economic cooperation, and the strengthening of trade ties.
Turkmenistan and UNCTAD launch third phase of customs digitalisation
07.08.2025The State Customs Service of Turkmenistan and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) have signed a project document launching the third phase of the digitisation of Turkmenistan's customs system and the creation of a ‘smart customs’. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The document provides for the introduction of modern IT solutions, process automation, increased transparency and efficiency of customs operations, as well as human resource development. The Agreement was signed in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone during a meeting between the Head of Turkmenistan's Customs Service and the UNCTAD Secretary-General, who noted the country's progress in digital transformation. This step continues the previous stages of digitalisation with the support of UNCTAD.
Turkmenistan and Saudi Arabia discussed prospects for cooperation
07.08.2025On 6 August, at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khereiji. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the sides discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, emphasising the importance of high-level visits for strengthening inter-state ties. Special attention was paid to the development of political, diplomatic, trade and economic relations, as well as cooperation within international organisations, including the UN. At the end of the meeting, the parties expressed mutual interest in further expanding their partnership based on respect and trust.
Turkmenistan and Iran discussed key issues on the bilateral agenda
07.08.2025On 6 August, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran Farzaneh Sadegh Malwajerd, who arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, the priority areas of cooperation between the two countries in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres were discussed. The Ministers reviewed key issues on the bilateral agenda and opportunities for expanding cultural and humanitarian exchanges.
Turkmenistan and Austria emphasised the importance of neutrality policy
07.08.2025On 6 August, a meeting between Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov and State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs Sepp Schellhorn took place in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry. The parties discussed cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade and economic spheres, emphasising the importance of neutrality as a key principle of both countries' foreign policy. This year, Turkmenistan and Austria are celebrating anniversaries of neutrality — 30 and 70 years, respectively. Special attention was paid to the problems of landlocked countries, in particular the Second UN Conference on Landlocked Countries, held in Vienna in 2014. Current issues on the international agenda were also discussed.
The President of Armenia visited the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery
07.08.2025During a working visit to Turkmenistan, Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan visited industrial and infrastructure facilities in the city of Turkmenbashi. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The Armenian President visited the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery, where he familiarised himself with the production process — from oil extraction to finished products — and expressed interest in possible cooperation. Later, Vahagn Khachaturyan visited the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port, where he was introduced to the port's capabilities and current shipbuilding and repair projects.
Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister met with UNIDO Deputy Director-General
07.08.2025On 6 August, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with UNIDO Deputy Director-General Fatou Haidara. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. During the meeting, the parties discussed current cooperation and prospects for interaction within the framework of previously concluded agreements. The main focus was on industrialisation and smart city development projects, taking into account an environmentally friendly approach to industry. It was noted that the UNIDO Certificate of Appreciation awarded to the city of Arkadag is recognition of Turkmenistan's contribution to sustainable industrial development and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The parties also exchanged views on upcoming joint events under the auspices of UNIDO.
Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan Culture Days were held in Turkmenistan
07.08.2025As part of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone hosted the Days of Culture of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. The event became a platform for cultural exchange and strengthening friendship between the peoples. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. High-ranking delegations from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan visited an exhibition featuring national dishes, traditional crafts and historical heritage of both countries. The Kazakh exhibition, featuring artefacts, costumes and sweets, attracted particular attention, while the Azerbaijani exhibition featured colourful dances and folk songs. The event concluded with a joint concert by artists from the three countries. Participants noted that the exhibition provided an opportunity not only to sample national cuisine, but also to gain a deeper understanding of the cultures of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.
Avaza celebrated the day of support for landlocked developing countries for the first time
07.08.2025A briefing dedicated to the International Day of Awareness of the Special Development Needs and Challenges of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) was held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This day is celebrated for the first time on 6 August in accordance with a new UN General Assembly resolution. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Speaking at the event, UN Under-Secretary-General, High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Rabab Fatima, stressed the importance of drawing attention to the challenges faced by such countries and expressed hope that the Awaza Programme of Action would be a step towards sustainable development through international cooperation. Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov said that it was a great honour for his country to celebrate the International Day for the first time. According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, it was not just a date, but a call for practical action aimed at integrating LLDCs into the global economy. Particular attention was paid to promoting transport connectivity, regional integration and peaceful dialogue as conditions for sustainable growth. In this anniversary year for the UN and Turkmenistan's neutrality, the forum participants emphasised the importance of solidarity, dialogue and equal access to development opportunities. The event was not only a symbolic act, but also an effective platform for developing concrete measures to support the LLDCs, confirming the common course towards partnership, innovation and sustainability.
Avaza: Landlocked countries discuss sustainable development
07.08.2025The Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, continued its work in plenary sessions. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The main topic of discussion was the development of effective mechanisms to overcome geographical isolation and stimulate the socio-economic development of LLDCs. Conference participants discussed key challenges, including the need to modernise transport infrastructure, environmental aspects, and the importance of attracting investment and expanding international cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the transition to a new ten-year programme – the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024-2034. Speakers noted its importance as a tool for sustainable development and turning vulnerabilities into opportunities, calling for the consolidation of efforts at the national, regional and global levels.
Turkmenistan has become a platform for discussing climate challenges for the LLDCs
07.08.2025On 6 August, the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone hosted a high-level round table on ‘Enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience and addressing vulnerability to climate change and disasters in landlocked developing countries (LLDC3)’. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The event was organised within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) with the assistance of international organisations and participating countries. Key challenges were discussed, including environmental degradation, extreme weather events and the need to adapt to climate change. Particular attention was paid to climate finance, rational water use, environmental technologies in agriculture, and the development of logistics and transport. Turkmenistan, which actively cooperates with the UN and its structures, presented its efforts in the field of sustainable development: implementation of the national climate strategy, participation in the Paris Agreement and the Global Methane Pledge, promotion of ‘green’ technologies and environmental diplomacy. The country's initiative to establish a UN Regional Climate Technology Centre for Central Asia was also highlighted. At the centre of the agenda is the Awaza Programme of Action, which aims to support LLDCs in combating climate risks, creating sustainable infrastructure and accessing finance. Participants noted the importance of international support, technology transfer and the participation of financial institutions in the implementation of sustainable solutions. In conclusion, participants expressed their gratitude to the leadership of Turkmenistan for organising the meeting and contributing to the development of international cooperation in the field of sustainable development.
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