Johann Saathoff, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany, spoke at the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). This was reported by the IIC.

He noted that the lack of direct access to the sea significantly increases the cost of logistics and reduces the competitiveness of products, creating obstacles to economic growth. Saathoff emphasised that he understands the importance of maritime infrastructure, having grown up on the North Sea coast himself.

According to him, Germany actively promotes the development of landlocked countries through infrastructure projects, trade support and regional integration. He expressed support for the Awaza Programme of Action and called for its practical implementation, emphasising the need for international cooperation to overcome structural barriers in the global economy.