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.
In the coming days, the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone will become the venue for the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The forum will be attended by Heads of states, representatives of international organisations and experts to discuss issues of sustainable development, transport connectivity and economic integration. Avaza welcomes guests at the highest level, providing opportunities for productive dialogue and demonstrating Turkmenistan's achievements in sustainable development and infrastructure modernisation. The holding of the conference under the auspices of the UN underscores Turkmenistan's growing role in international politics and its commitment to neutrality and open cooperation. The event is also intended to increase interest in the country's logistics potential and support initiatives to develop trade and transport links.
Foreign delegations continue to arrive at Turkmenbashi International Airport to take part in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Among the first participants to arrive on charter flights to Avaza were delegations from Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. Three charter flights have already been completed. A total of about 30 charter flights are expected to arrive at Turkmenbashi International Airport during the forum. In addition, more than 2,000 participants will arrive in the country on regular flights operated by the open joint-stock company ‘Turkmenistan Airlines’.
The Makhachkala Sea Trade Port (Russia) will launch regular ferry services to Turkmenistan, Iran and Kazakhstan by 2030, opening up new prospects for Turkmen exports and transit. This project is particularly important for Turkmenistan, which is actively developing its transport infrastructure and strengthening its position in regional logistics. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Preparations include the modernisation of port facilities – the creation of a new container terminal and an increase in cargo turnover by 2 million tonnes per year. For Turkmenistan, the new routes will become an additional channel of trade with Russia and the countries of the Caspian region, which will strengthen its role in the ‘North-South’ and ‘East-West’ international transport corridors. This project is in line with the general trend of developing international transport corridors involving Turkmenistan, which is actively developing its logistics infrastructure to strengthen its transit potential.
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.
From 3 to 13 August, Samarkand is hosting the Central Asian Traditional Karate Championship, where Turkmenistan is represented by 20 athletes led by coach Diyar Hojayev. The delegation also includes three international referees and two representatives of the national federation. This was reported by IIC. This tournament is an important stage in the preparation of Turkmen karate fighters for upcoming international competitions. Over the course of ten days, the region's strongest athletes will compete in various weight categories and age groups. The championship in Samarkand provides Turkmen athletes with an opportunity not only to compete for medals, but also to learn from their colleagues from other Central Asian countries. Participation in such competitions contributes to the development of traditional karate in Turkmenistan and strengthens sporting ties in the region.
From 9 to 24 July, a UCI Level 2 advanced training course for cycling coaches was held in Yeongju, Republic of Korea. The training was organised by the World Cycling Centre (WCC) and the Cycling Federation of the Republic of Korea as part of a youth road cycling event. Representatives from eight countries, including Turkmenistan, took part, according to the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Turkmen coach Emir Jumayev successfully passed the accreditation and received an international certificate. The course included theoretical and practical classes on physiology, tactics, training processes and data analysis. At the same time, a three-stage race was held, in which cyclist Daniil Nurlyev from Turkmenistan took part. He won the 21 km mountain stage among 105 participants, winning a medal, a cup and a certificate for ‘Best Rider’. At the end of all stages, he took fifth place in the overall standings.
The ‘Dokmachylar’ folk ensemble from Turkmenistan was one of the most notable participants in the VII International Festival of Ethnic Dance held in Karamay (China). This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The ensemble's vibrant performance drew a full hall and received thunderous applause, confirming the high level of Turkmen performing arts. The festival, held under the motto ‘Dance as the Language of Friendship,’ brings together performers from dozens of countries and serves as a platform for cultural exchange. The Turkmen ensemble presented an original production featuring folk dances and live music. The final composition, ‘Song of Friendship,’ dedicated to peace and unity, resonated particularly with the audience. Turkmenistan's participation underscores the country's commitment to strengthening cultural ties. The organisers noted the contribution of Central Asian groups to expanding the festival's creative spectrum.