Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations of Turkmenistan Nazar Agahanov spoke at the South-South Ministerial Conference within the framework of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). He emphasised the importance of international cooperation in overcoming the challenges faced by such countries. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal.

Agahanov noted the symbolic significance of the first International Day of Awareness of the Special Development Needs and Challenges of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), established by a UN General Assembly resolution on 25 July.

According to him, the main goal of the forum is to integrate landlocked countries into global trade and transit processes through cooperation, investment, infrastructure development and dialogue.

The Minister cited data showing that LLDCs account for only 1% of global exports, while their trade costs are 30% higher than those of coastal countries. He called for systemic measures to address this imbalance.

Agahanov confirmed Turkmenistan's support for the Awaza Action Programme (2024–2034), aimed at reducing costs, developing infrastructure and access to ‘green’ energy.

He also spoke in favour of expanding cooperation in the areas of transport corridors, sustainable energy, customs harmonisation and institutional strengthening. The Minister said that regional stability and dialogue were important conditions for progress.

Ahead of the 80th anniversary of the UN and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality in 2025, Agahanov called for the new international day to be used to consolidate support for LLDCs.