Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov, speaking at a press conference during the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), called for the removal of structural barriers hindering the development of these countries. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry Head stressed the importance of the first International Day of Awareness of the Special Development Needs and Challenges of LLDCs, established by a UN General Assembly resolution in July 2024.

According to Meredov, the main goal of the forum is to integrate these countries into global trade and transit processes through peaceful cooperation, investment and infrastructure development. The Minister noted that LLDCs account for only 1.1% of world exports, while their trade costs are 30% higher than those of coastal countries, which points to the need for comprehensive solutions.

He recalled that geographical location should not be a barrier and emphasised Turkmenistan's commitment to developing transport corridors and regional integration.

Meredov expressed support for the new Awaza Action Programme (2024–2034), aimed at reducing costs, developing infrastructure, and providing access to ‘green’ energy and digital technologies. He also called for strengthening international cooperation in the areas of transit, ecology, and customs regulation.

Ahead of the 80th anniversary of the UN and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality, the Minister proposed using the new international day as a platform to support landlocked countries, emphasising that sustainable development should be accessible to all, regardless of geography.