Today, António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, arrived in our country to participate in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, being held on the coast of the Caspian Sea. The international forum, which has become a major event of a new historical era, is yet another demonstration of the United Nations’ recognition of the initiatives put forward by Turkmenistan for the benefit of all humanity. 

The distinguished guest was warmly welcomed at the International Airport of the city of Turkmenbashi and, according to a good tradition, was presented with bouquets of flowers and offered bread and salt. The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero Arkadag, sincerely greeted the UN Secretary-General and noted that he was pleased to see him on the sacred Turkmen land.

Having warmly received the distinguished guest at the airport, the Hero Arkadag emphasized that the unanimous adoption at the 63rd plenary meeting of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly of the Resolution “Additional Information on the Modalities for Holding the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries” was a decision demonstrating the high authority of independent, permanently neutral Turkmenistan on the international stage.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that it was a great honor for him to participate in this international forum of universal significance, taking place in Turkmenistan, a country following the path of harmonious development.

It was expressed with confidence that the agreements reached as a result of the discussions within the framework of the International Conference, covering pressing issues of today, would have a positive impact on the economies of countries worldwide.

Speaking about the importance of exchanging views on key issues and making appropriate decisions regarding the future development of landlocked countries, Hero Arkadag stressed that the organization and holding of this high-level forum under the auspices of the UN is regarded as a testament to the universal trust placed in Turkmenistan.

It was noted that the Conference will contribute to increasing the economic potential of landlocked developing countries and the development of interregional and international relations in the trade and economic sphere. It was stated that parallel events, as well as meetings and negotiations between relevant structures, are planned within the framework of the forum.

Special emphasis was placed on the significance of holding the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in the year marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s acquisition of permanent neutrality status and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. This forum is aimed at promoting the activation of cooperation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

At the conference, held on the coast of the Caspian Sea, urgent issues of the world economy will be discussed and ways to successfully resolve them identified, which will create broad opportunities for the development of transport relations within the framework of international partnership.

This will ensure the activation of trade and economic ties at regional and international levels, increase export-import operations between countries, and improve the standards of living of peoples.

In this context, the agenda items of the International Forum are identified as a key condition for landlocked developing countries to embark on the path of harmonious development, which will positively influence the implementation of important continental-level projects in the relevant fields.

Wishes were expressed for success in the activities of the forum, covering important topics related to the development of relations in the transport and logistics sphere and transport diplomacy in general, along with confidence that the adopted decisions would contribute to the harmonious development of the countries.

Once again welcoming the distinguished guest on Turkmen land, Hero Arkadag thanked him for his efforts to hold the world-class forum in Turkmenistan.