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General debates held at UN conference in Avaza
08.08.2025On 7 August, during the plenary session of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) held at the National Tourist Complex ‘Avaza,’ a general debate was held with the participation of representatives of states, international organisations, business and civil society. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The event discussed the development of transport infrastructure and logistics, the modernisation of rail and road routes, the creation of transport corridors, the attraction of investment and the harmonisation of customs procedures. Special attention was paid to digital trade, the introduction of innovative technologies, the development of the agricultural sector with a focus on supporting small farms, storage and processing of products, sustainable agriculture and adaptation to climate change. Participants emphasised the importance of gender equality and expanding the role of women in the economy, education and healthcare. The conference served as a step towards strengthening cooperation and confirming the course towards sustainable development in the LLDCs through infrastructure expansion, economic modernisation and the growth of international partnerships.
Avaza discussed issues of sustainable economic development
08.08.2025A series of parallel events dedicated to sustainable economic development were held within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The discussions focused on reforms using technology and innovation, the development of smart transport systems, environmentally friendly technologies and renewable energy. Particular emphasis was placed on the digital economy, e-commerce and the IT sector as drivers of growth and sources of new jobs. The meetings raised issues of food security and attracting investment in agriculture, including through ‘green’ solutions. Turkmenistan's experience in the agricultural sector and the introduction of sustainable technologies was noted. The prospects for solar energy, sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation were discussed. Participants discussed the role of UN legal instruments in trade facilitation, the importance of transport corridors and digital infrastructure for e-commerce, as well as mechanisms for financing sustainable development. Other topics of discussion included strengthening cooperation between the LLDCs and coastal countries, developing joint transport infrastructure and creating free trade zones. The meetings highlighted the importance of coordinating efforts, introducing innovations and expanding international partnerships to integrate LLDCs into the global economy. Participants expressed their gratitude to Turkmenistan for the high level of organisation.
Strengthening global partnership discussed in Turkmenistan
08.08.2025On 7 August, the fifth high-level thematic round table was held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone as part of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). The theme of the meeting was ‘Provision and mobilization of resources, and strengthened global partnerships for sustainable development in landlocked developing countries.’ This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The event, organised by the UN Secretariat and the Government of Turkmenistan, was attended by representatives of participating countries and international organisations. Issues discussed included infrastructure financing, investment attraction, the role of remittances, as well as measures to improve tax systems and expand domestic resource potential. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG 17, which requires active international cooperation. Experts stressed the need to diversify the economy, increase labour productivity, invest in human capital and create a favourable investment climate. It was noted that Turkmenistan, with its significant natural resources, is implementing large-scale projects in energy, industry, transport and other sectors, while actively developing international cooperation. Issues related to debt relief, increasing foreign direct investment flows, developing transport corridors and simplifying customs procedures were also discussed. Proposals were made to create online platforms and hold international events to exchange experience.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the President of Poland on his inauguration
08.08.2025The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, sent a congratulatory message to Karol Nawrocki on his inauguration as President of the Republic of Poland. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. In his message, the Head of State wished Karol Nawrocki good health, prosperity and success in his work for the further development and prosperity of Poland.
Turkmenistan and Portugal discussed the development of bilateral relations
08.08.2025On 7 August, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Portuguese Secretary of State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Portuguese Republic Ana Isabel Xavier in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. At the beginning of the meeting, the guest noted the successful organisation of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) and thanked the Turkmen side for the warm welcome. The sides discussed the development of bilateral relations, cooperation within the framework of the UN, as well as prospects for interaction in oceanography, digitalisation and other areas. Xavier invited the Turkmen side to the ‘Web Summit 2025’ conference, which will be held in Portugal. At the end of the meeting, the sides confirmed their desire to strengthen their partnership based on equality and mutual respect.
Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister meets with Ethiopian Transport Minister
08.08.2025On 7 August, within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), a meeting was held between the Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Minister of Transport and Logistics of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Alemu Sime Feisa. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation, especially in the trade and economic sphere. The importance of mutual visits and regular political consultations for strengthening ties was emphasised. Special attention was paid to cooperation in international organisations, including the UN, as well as possible cooperation with the African Union. The Ethiopian side highly appreciated the organisation of the LLDC 3 conference. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to peace initiatives and expressed readiness for further partnership, noting the importance of the International Forum on Peace and Trust to be held in Ashgabat in December.
Turkmenistan hosts meeting between Foreign Affairs Ministers of Turkmenistan and Lesotho
08.08.2025On 7 August, negotiations between Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of the Kingdom of Lesotho Lejone Mpotjoane took place in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. The meeting was held within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, the parties expressed mutual interest in establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries in the near future. Particular attention was paid to the prospects for developing trade and economic cooperation, including in such areas as agriculture and hydropower. The Foreign Affairs Ministers stressed the importance of establishing a systematic dialogue between the foreign policy agencies of the two countries. They also exchanged views on cooperation within international organisations, primarily the UN. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to mutual support in the international arena to achieve sustainable development goals.
A meeting with a representative of the US State Department took place in Turkmenistan
07.08.2025Within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, on 7 August, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs of the United States of America John Mark Pommersheim. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, the Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan expressed gratitude to the American side for the active participation of the US delegation in the conference. It was noted that this participation is in line with the spirit of the message sent by US President Donald Trump to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov in March this year. The parties conducted a substantive review of the current state and prospects of Turkmen-American cooperation in the political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to preparations for the next round of bilateral political consultations scheduled for 2025.
A meeting with the EU Special Representative for Central Asia took place in Turkmenistan
07.08.2025Today, within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Ahmet Gurbanov met with a delegation of the European Union headed by EU Special Representative for Central Asia Eduards Stiprais. This was reported by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, the parties discussed topical issues of cooperation in the political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. Particular attention was paid to the importance of regular high-level contacts to strengthen partnership relations in both bilateral and multilateral formats. The participants highly appreciated the results of the first ‘Central Asia-European Union’ Summit held in April 2025 and discussed prospects for cooperation within the framework of the EU's Global Gateway strategy. The development of transport and energy corridors, digitalisation and other strategic projects were identified as key areas of cooperation. The parties noted the effectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms, including the activities of the Turkmenistan-EU Joint Committee and the Interparliamentary Dialogue. The European delegation expressed its gratitude to the Turkmen side for the warm welcome and highly appreciated the level of organisation of the UN conference, emphasising the importance of this international forum for addressing pressing development issues facing landlocked countries.
Turkmenistan's investments in transport infrastructure development amounted to over 48 billion manats
07.08.2025At the conference held within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Mammethan Chakiyev announced large-scale investments in the country's transport and communications sector. From 2015 to 2021, over 48 billion manats were allocated to this industry. This was reported by the online publication Turkmenportal. M. Chakiyev emphasised the strategic geographical location of Turkmenistan, which is at the crossroads of key transport routes between East and West, North and South. According to him, the country's territory is crossed by major international corridors, including the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor, the North-South route, the Caspian Corridor and other promising directions. Among the infrastructure projects that have been implemented, the Deputy Prime Minister noted the construction of the Ashgabat-Turkmenabat motorway, the construction of a bridge across the Karabogaz River in the direction of Kazakhstan, the modernisation of the Turkmenbashi Sea Port and the reconstruction of the Turkmenbashi Airport. Particular attention was paid to promising initiatives, including the creation of a new logistics hub in the border areas with Iran and Uzbekistan, as well as the development of the Caspian transport platform in cooperation with the ports of Baku and Aktau. Turkmenistan proposed the creation of a single digital space for landlocked countries with an integrated logistics platform, and also put forward an initiative to establish regional funds to finance infrastructure and digital projects.
ECOSOC President names priorities for implementation of Awaza Action Programme
07.08.2025At the event dedicated to the implementation of the Awaza Action Programme, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations and President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Mr. Lok Bahadur Thapa, outlined priorities in supporting landlocked countries. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. He noted that these countries face serious structural challenges, including geographical isolation, high trade and transport costs, climate vulnerability and lack of infrastructure. According to Thapa, the Awaza Action Programme focuses on structural reforms, sustainable infrastructure development, climate adaptation and sustainable financing. It is consistent with global initiatives such as the Pact of the Future, the Decade of Sustainable Transport and the G20 policy. The President of ECOSOC emphasised the role of the UN in coordinating efforts and promoting the interests of these countries, including strengthening their representation on key platforms. He pointed to the need for national reforms, targeted partnerships and new financial instruments, such as thematic bonds and debt swaps. UN national and resident coordinators play an important role in this regard. Thapa concluded his speech with a call for joint efforts to implement the tasks of the Awaza Action Programme and to share successful strategies.
Head of Turkmenistan's Customs Service meets with Secretary General of the WCO
07.08.2025On 6 August, a meeting was held at the International Seaport of Turkmenbashi between the Chairman of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan, Maksat Hudaykuliyev, and the Secretary General of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), Ian Saunders, who arrived to participate in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. This was reported by the website of the Customs Service of Turkmenistan. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the field of customs administration, paying particular attention to the development of the WCO Regional Training Centre and the training of personnel for the national system. After the negotiations, the delegations inspected the infrastructure of the seaport. Ian Saunders emphasised the high level of cooperation with Turkmenistan and the potential for joint projects. The meeting was an important step in strengthening the partnership between Turkmenistan and the WCO.
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