A briefing was held following the UN Conference on Landlocked Countries

The results of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries were the subject of a special briefing with the participation of numerous domestic and foreign journalists.

As previously reported, the international high-level Forum, held from August 5 to 8 in the Avaza National Tourist Zone, was attended by heads of state and government, high-ranking officials from more than 100 countries, about 50 international organizations, and representatives of more than 20 leading companies. More than 160 media representatives from about 40 countries gathered to widely cover the Conference, organized by the UN once a decade, and the significant events held on its sidelines.

Commenting on the results of the international Forum, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan R. Meredov emphasized that it was a vibrant and active meeting of government representatives, development partners, experts, civil society and youth, united by a common goal - to build a better future for 32 landlocked developing countries and their peoples. Its main outcome was the adoption of the Avaza Political Declaration - a far-sighted and action-oriented document that lays a solid foundation for joint work in the coming decade.

Having thanked all delegations and participants for the depth of their contribution, agreed approaches and new, constructive ideas and proposals, the head of our country's foreign policy department emphasized the importance of consistent implementation of the Avaza Action Program at the national, regional and global levels. The key condition for success, according to him, will be strengthening the network of national coordinators - those who will be able to ensure constant monitoring, coordination and reporting throughout the entire process of its implementation.

Speaking to journalists, the UN Under-Secretary-General, High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Secretary-General of the Third UN Conference on LLDCs Ms. Rabab Fatima expressed deep gratitude to the Government and people of Turkmenistan for the hospitality and high organizational level of this largest, historical Conference for international cooperation.

– The name Avaza was already associated with health, recreation and tourism. Now the name also symbolizes hope and opportunity for 32 landlocked developing countries, Rabab Fatima emphasized.

It was noted that the basis for the discussions that took place on the sidelines of the Forum was a bold, inclusive vision of sustainable development based on global solidarity.

Sincerely thanking the media for disseminating news of the events held here around the world, the UN Deputy Secretary-General expressed confidence that the legacy of this Conference will be measured not in words, but in the fundamental changes it will bring to the lives of landlocked developing countries.

Having emphasized the importance of the initiatives approved during this Conference, which provide practical tools for addressing issues related to overcoming geographical isolation, access to investment, world trade markets and integration into the global economy, the participants of the briefing expressed confidence that the Avaza Action Programme for 2024-2034 will contribute to further strengthening the established productive dialogue and developing new joint long-term plans that will allow LLDCs to fully participate in global development and confidently move towards their bright future.

As noted, Turkmenistan is determined to continue to contribute to the implementation of important international initiatives that promote regional cooperation and overall progress, and will continue to work actively and constructively with all interested partners, aligning national efforts with the objectives of the new action program.

Thus, the holding of the current High-Level Forum, which defined the key vectors of joint action for the coming decade, became another confirmation of the strategic partnership between the UN and Turkmenistan, recognition of the international authority of our independent neutral Fatherland, its active participation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals common to all mankind.

Source: State News Agency of Turkmenistan