The significance of the upcoming Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), scheduled for August this year in the National Tourist Zone "Avaza," is reflected in the importance of its planned political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian events. Such forums often serve as starting points for fundamentally new trends in global politics, stimulate serious negotiation processes, and lay qualitatively new foundations for intergovernmental relations.

 

Once again, Turkmenistan has assumed the responsible mission of organizing and hosting a high-level international forum under the UN aegis, dedicated to pressing global issues that require a well-balanced and coordinated approach, mutual alignment of positions, and a shared vision for the future — particularly for countries without access to the world’s oceans.

 

Turkmenistan’s position in this area is based on the necessity of imparting a systematic and purposeful character to this cooperation, elevating the discussion of LLDC-related matters from a regional platform to the principal international arena — the United Nations.

 

A clear confirmation of this was the adoption of the Resolution on the holding of the UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries at the 63rd plenary meeting of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly on April 11, 2024. The resolution was co-sponsored by 57 states.

 

To ensure a high level of organization for the forum — aimed at strengthening the economic potential of LLDCs and expanding their regional and international trade relations — President of Turkmenistan signed a Resolution on July 4, 2024, during a Cabinet of Ministers meeting, instructing relevant structures to begin the necessary preparations.

 

Organizational matters concerning the Conference were comprehensively discussed at a meeting of the State Organizing Committee chaired by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held on July 13 in Avaza.

 

LLDCs often face serious challenges in the fields of transport, trade, and economic development due to their geographical isolation. The Conference in Avaza is not just a diplomatic event — it is a chance for 32 countries representing over 570 million people to reexamine their development strategies, strengthen partnerships, and explore innovative solutions for overcoming obstacles and realizing the potential of LLDCs.

 

A number of side events are also planned, including those dedicated to land transport and connectivity, which will be organized by the participating countries, international organizations and institutions, as well as the Turkmen side.

 

In 2025, which marks the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s status of permanent neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, our country proposes to enhance a comprehensive strategy of cooperation to promote the Sustainable Development Goals. Two key priorities are emphasized: energy transformation and transport connectivity — as highlighted in Turkmenistan’s Concept of Activities and Priorities within the International Year of Peace and Trust.

 

Transport issues should be a permanent and prominent part of the UN agenda as a distinct area of global concern. Turkmenistan’s policy in this regard is aimed at fostering a systemic and consistent dialogue on transport matters.

 

Analysis of current global processes and economic trends convincingly shows that the development of transport and communications is becoming increasingly crucial. The optimization of transport and transit routes and the construction of modern logistics infrastructure for raw materials and finished goods are key factors of integration — especially for states that lack direct access to seaports.

 

In this context, the potential of new transport-transit hubs is immense. These projects mobilize vast territories, human resources, and attract major investments. As a result, the transport sector is evolving into one of the main engines of global economic growth, helping bridge development gaps between countries and regions.

 

Developing the transport and logistics infrastructure of LLDCs is a constant priority, as it ensures access to major global markets, enhances economic integration, stimulates investment, improves trade operations, boosts competitiveness, and raises living standards. Solving these issues will also help strengthen the business foundation for implementing numerous important regional projects.

 

As part of large-scale reforms initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and successfully implemented under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Turkmenistan is actively modernizing its transport and communication infrastructure.

 

Recognizing the need for the comprehensive development of the transport sector — a key driver of the global economy — Turkmenistan is investing heavily in creating modern infrastructure and jointly launching major regional and continental projects in partnership with interested states and leading international institutions.

 

Agreements such as the Ashgabat Agreement on the establishment of an international transport and transit corridor among Iran, Oman, Qatar, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, the “Lapis Lazuli” transport and transit agreement, and the Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran railway line are vivid examples of practical steps toward implementing advanced transport technologies. Within the TRACECA framework, reforms are underway to revive the Great Silk Road and modernize multimodal transportation.

 

Strengthening ties with international transport organizations is a top priority for Turkmenistan. The country cooperates with ICAO, IATA, EASA, IRU, OSJD, IMO, and others.

 

Under President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, long-term national programs have been developed and successfully implemented to enhance the material and technical base of the transport sector, expand existing networks, and create new transport-communication corridors aimed at elevating international trade and economic relations to a new level. This facilitates Turkmenistan’s integration into the global logistics system and the creation of major regional coordination centers for multimodal freight traffic.

 

In recent years, modern engineering structures such as rail and road bridges have been commissioned nationwide using cutting-edge technologies. These projects support the development of strategic regional and interregional routes running through Turkmenistan along the North–South and East–West axes.

 

In September 2024, the 177-meter Serhetabat–Turgundi railway bridge was inaugurated at the Turkmen-Afghan border with the participation of Hero-Arkadag, alongside the launch of the Serhetabat–Herat fiber-optic communication line (“Arkadagyň ak ýoly”), a warehouse complex at the dry port of Turgundi station, and the Turgundi–Sanabar segment of the Turgundi–Herat railway’s first phase — all confirming the continuity of national efforts to develop the sector.

 

The Trans-Afghan Railway Corridor project — linking Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan — offers Afghanistan crucial access to Indian Ocean ports. It is not only an economic project but also a tool for regional stabilization.

 

Turkmenistan’s railway sector continues its steady development: new enterprises are being launched, modern technologies introduced, equipment upgraded, and large batches of wagons and locomotives acquired — all supporting the dynamic growth of the national economy.

 

Simultaneously, efforts are being made to expand international air traffic and routes, increasing the contribution of the national airline to Turkmenistan’s economic growth.

 

The construction of highways remains a priority. The Ashgabat–Turkmenabat expressway is being built at a rapid pace. In April 2024, the Tejen–Mary section of the highway was opened with the President’s participation.

 

Each year sees the expansion of communication channels using advanced fiber-optic lines. In 2024, construction began on the Serhetabat–Herat fiber-optic communication route, which will expand communication transit and establish connectivity through Afghanistan and Pakistan to India.

 

Turkmenistan is open to cooperation on mutually beneficial initiatives aimed at improving national telecommunications infrastructure. Such partnerships will support the region’s transit potential and foster the spread of advanced information and communication technologies.

 

In his speech at the first “Central Asia – European Union” Summit in Samarkand on April 4, 2024, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that transport and communication are strategic areas — with East–West and West–East connectivity being central.

 

Today, Turkmenistan contributes significantly to expanding international cooperation in the transport and communication sector, a critical component of the global economy.

 

Specific proposals on optimizing transport flows and creating new transit corridors have been repeatedly presented at major international forums and high-level meetings.

 

Among them was the International Ministerial Conference on Transport of LLDCs, held in Avaza in August 2022 under the UN auspices and at Turkmenistan’s initiative.

 

In his video address to forum participants, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed the strategic importance of transport and communication in the modern era. He called for the consolidation of efforts and focus of all stakeholders on achieving swift and tangible results.

 

The head of state also proposed new international initiatives in this sector, including the creation of a special UN working group to advocate for the interests of LLDCs and institutionalize this activity within UN structures, as well as the development of a UN General Assembly resolution on enhancing LLDCs' role in global transport cooperation.

 

Such a document could provide a meaningful impetus for advancing the interests of these countries, demonstrating both the importance of the challenges and the international community’s commitment to solving them.

 

The Forum’s outcomes were reflected in its Final Statement, which highlighted the need to further consolidate efforts to expand and coordinate regional cooperation for the development of efficient transport systems — a prerequisite for dynamic and stable economic growth and social development in LLDCs.

 

Of course, achieving this requires modern infrastructure that meets international standards, as well as many other factors — including multimodal transport solutions. Turkmenistan is already engaged in large-scale work in this direction, with much progress made in recent years. Once these systems reach full operational capacity, they will bring major benefits not only to Turkmenistan and its neighbors, but to the entire continent.

 

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has also identified the development of a modern national merchant marine fleet as a top priority of the country’s transport policy. The advanced infrastructure of Turkmenbashi International Seaport is capable of meeting both current and future demand with high-quality services. When operating at full capacity, the port will significantly impact continental freight logistics, making Turkmenistan’s terminals key nodes for the most efficient and cost-effective routes.

 

Maximizing the port’s potential — particularly for oversized and heavy cargo via multimodal delivery to the Caspian region and beyond — will elevate cooperation and further integrate Turkmenistan into the global economic system.

 

The selection of the Avaza National Tourist Zone as the venue for the Conference is not accidental. Strategically located in Central Asia, Turkmenistan actively promotes the development of transport corridors linking the region with global markets via the Caspian Sea.

 

Thus, the agenda of the upcoming Third UN Conference on LLDCs, preparations for which are already in full swing, has the potential to become a turning point in international dialogue — providing it with new momentum and substance.

 

Source: State News Agency of Turkmenistan