On 4 August, negotiations between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and UN Secretary-General António Guterres took place in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. The UN Secretary-General arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’.

Welcoming the distinguished guest, the President of Turkmenistan expressed his gratitude for the visit and participation in the international forum held under the motto ‘Driving Progress through Partnerships’. According to Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the current conference will be an important step towards the implementation of the renewed Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries, adopted in December 2024.

António Guterres, in turn, expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and stressed the importance of his visit. The UN Secretary-General noted Turkmenistan's active position on issues of international cooperation, emphasising that the country has established itself as a reliable partner of the UN, especially in the areas of peace, security and sustainable development.

António Guterres also highly appreciated Turkmenistan's preparations for the Conference, noting the country's efforts to create conditions for effective dialogue between the participants of the event.

The Head of State confirmed Turkmenistan's readiness to ensure a high organisational level of the conference and recalled that the country consistently pursues a policy of neutrality, focusing on the development of international relations and the promotion of ideas of sustainable peace.

During the meeting, the sides noted the symbolic significance of 2025: the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality. It was also emphasised that, on Ashgabat's initiative, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust.

The President of Turkmenistan drew attention to the importance of international consolidation of efforts in the interests of countries without direct access to the sea. Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed confidence that the Conference, held once every ten years with the participation of representatives of states, international institutions, business and civil society, will make a significant contribution to strengthening sustainable development and transport connectivity.

At the end of the meeting, the Head of State thanked the UN Secretary-General for his contribution to the development of partnership with Turkmenistan. António Guterres, in turn, noted the country's achievements in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals and its contribution to promoting peacekeeping initiatives.

The parties expressed confidence in the further strengthening of the strategic dialogue between Turkmenistan and the UN in the interests of stability and development at both the regional and global levels.