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.