António Guterres Arrives in Turkmenistan to Attend Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries

Avaza, The Gulf Observer: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Turkmenistan on Saturday to participate in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), taking place on the picturesque Caspian coast in the Avaza National Tourist Zone.
The esteemed guest was warmly received at the airport by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who expressed his sincere pleasure at welcoming the UN chief to Turkmenistan’s sacred land.
In his welcome remarks, Chairman Berdimuhamedov highlighted the symbolic significance of the UN General Assembly’s unanimous adoption—during its 63rd plenary meeting of the 79th session—of the resolution entitled “Additional Information on the Modalities of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries”. He emphasized that the decision stands as a testament to the international recognition of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality and its growing authority on the global stage.
Secretary-General Guterres expressed his profound honour in taking part in this international forum of universal importance, noting Turkmenistan’s steadfast path toward harmonious and sustainable development. He conveyed confidence that the deliberations and agreements arising from the conference would contribute positively to the economies of landlocked and developing countries worldwide.
Chairman Berdimuhamedov underscored the importance of dialogue and strategic decision-making in addressing the challenges faced by landlocked nations. He stated that the convening of this High-Level Forum under the auspices of the UN not only underscores the organization’s trust in Turkmenistan but also affirms the country’s constructive international role.
The conference, he noted, is expected to enhance the economic capabilities of landlocked developing nations by strengthening regional and international trade and economic relations. A series of parallel events, as well as inter-agency meetings and negotiations, are scheduled to take place during the forum.
Particular attention has been given to the symbolic timing of the conference, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. These milestones lend added significance to the event’s outcomes and the collaborative spirit underpinning its discussions.
Set against the Caspian Sea backdrop, the forum will explore current global economic challenges and identify practical solutions, particularly in advancing international cooperation in transport and logistics. It is expected that the conference’s results will further contribute to the development of transport diplomacy and expand connectivity for landlocked countries.
In conclusion, Chairman Berdimuhamedov reiterated his gratitude to Secretary-General Guterres for his contribution to organizing this high-level, globally significant forum in Turkmenistan and extended his best wishes for the conference’s success.