Today, a flag-raising ceremony was held at the “Avaza” National Tourist Zone to mark the start of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.   

Members of the official delegations from Turkmenistan and the United Nations participated in the solemn event.  

The flag-raising ceremony symbolizes the commencement of this important event and includes the raising of the flags of the host country and the United Nations.  

This celebration is yet another testament to Turkmenistan’s commitment to the goals of the global community for ensuring universal well-being and sustainable development, as well as its readiness to join efforts in this direction.  

Particularly significant is the fact that such a prestigious Forum is taking place in our country this year, which marks the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations’ founding. This vividly reflects the broad international support for Turkmenistan’s initiatives to strengthen productive links and intensify cooperation in areas such as sustainable energy, transport, ecology, and environmental protection for the sake of universal prosperity and security.  

The participation in this large-scale Conference of heads of many states, along with leaders and representatives of reputable international organizations, increases the importance of this event and shows that independent, permanently neutral Turkmenistan has become a center for regularly hosting international forums.  

The Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries will open a new chapter in the history of strategic cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations. Its extensive program is aimed at addressing universal development goals and identifying new important directions for long-term partnership. This will once again demonstrate that the constructive initiatives of neutral Turkmenistan are successfully being put into practice.  

R. Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the country, speaking at the event, noted that hosting the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries is not only a great honor for Turkmenistan but also a clear expression of the country’s commitment to the goals and principles of the United Nations Charter.  

The conference is attended by heads of states and governments, high-ranking representatives, experts, youth, and representatives from various sectors. This important Forum will define global priority directions for developing countries for the coming decade.  

As noted, the Conference will provide an opportunity to assess progress and develop strategies to promote closer integration and stability in relations between countries.  

As Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs noted in continuation of his speech, that we are very pleased that this Forum is dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, and the International Year of Peace and Trust.  

In the coming days, Avaza will become a meeting place for friends and partners, strengthening relations and defining new directions for cooperation.  

The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed sincere gratitude to all those who participated in preparing this meeting: the UN member states, international organizations, interested parties, experts, and Conference participants. He expressed confidence that the Conference’s outcomes would be highly significant and an important step forward for landlocked developing countries.  

Then, Rabab Fatima, the Under Secretary-General of the United Nations, High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Secretary-General of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, spoke, noting that it was a great honor for her to participate in the flag-raising ceremony.  

This ceremony marks the official start of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. The current flag-raising ceremony is not only a wonderful tradition but also a celebration of solidarity, multilateralism, and the spirit of partnership that define this conference and, essentially, the entire work of the UN.  

The conference topic, “Driving Progress through Partnerships,” is clearly reflected in the joint flag-raising ceremony. This reminds us of our collective responsibility to landlocked developing countries and their 600 million people, Ms. Rabab Fatima said, expressing gratitude on behalf of the United Nations to the Government and people of Turkmenistan for their warm reception and hospitality, high level of organization of large-scale events, and efforts to make Avaza a wonderful place for discussions.  

Avaza, with its rich cultural heritage and growing international reputation, is indeed a worthy place for this historic event that happens once every ten years. Raising the flags of Turkmenistan and the UN, we are fully aware of our goals and tasks with regard to landlocked developing countries.  

We reaffirm the importance of the key principles that unite the global community, Rabab Fatima continued. This week, leaders, partners, and stakeholders from around the world will gather in Avaza to confirm their solidarity with landlocked developing countries and outline new paths for transformation.  

The conference will intensify international support for the full implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action. This important new forward-looking document sets out a clear roadmap to accelerate structural reforms, improve regional connectivity, and increase the stability of landlocked developing countries. It is based on the principles of fairness, stability, and above all, cooperation.  

We have gathered here to connect every landlocked developing country with global markets, remove transport and trade barriers that hinder their growth, and provide climate finance and investments needed to protect the future.  

The UN flag is raised alongside the State Flag of Turkmenistan, which will fly as a symbol of our shared goals.  

Let this Conference become a historic event marked by solidarity, important decisions, and global commitments to landlocked developing countries, Ms. Rabab Fatima said, declaring the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries officially open.  

After the speeches, the heads of the Turkmenistan and UN delegations were ceremoniously handed the flags of our country and the United Nations. At that moment, solemn music of the military orchestra played.  

Then, in a solemn atmosphere, the flags of Turkmenistan and the United Nations were raised, embodying aspirations for peace and prosperity.  

After Turkmenistan acquired the status of permanent neutrality, olive branches, part of the official symbolism of the Commonwealth of Nations, were added to the State Flag, demonstrating our country’s inseparable connection with the activities of this organization.  

Since joining the UN, Turkmenistan has made a significant contribution in close partnership to strengthening friendship and brotherhood among peoples based on trust and mutual respect.  

The independent Turkmen state enjoys great trust, which allows it to effectively utilize its political, diplomatic, and economic capabilities, as well as its tremendous peacekeeping potential.  

Thus, today’s ceremony is clear evidence that the international community recognizes our country’s contribution to ensuring universal peace, prosperity, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.