Today in Turkmenistan, at the Congress Center of the “Avaza” National Tourist Zone, the International Conference at the level of ministers of transport of landlocked developing countries “Ashgabat process: funding for better connectivity” began its work.

At the beginning of the conference, the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov addressed the participants. In his video message, the head of state, in particular, noted that “the future lies with a combined transport communication system, access to the largest international and regional sea, river, road, railway and air hubs, their optimal combination and the use of the advantages of each of them,” reports the State News Agency of Turkmenistan.

The President of Turkmenistan also noted that transport issues should take their permanent and firm place on the UN agenda as a separate area of activity of the world organization. Turkmenistan's active policy is aimed at giving the dialogue on transport issues a systemic and consistent character.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also addressed the participants via video link.

The forum brought together representatives of 39 countries and 34 international organizations to widely discuss the role of the transport system in ensuring sustainable development in the post-pandemic period.

Before the start of the conference, the guests got acquainted with an electronic exhibition demonstrating the capabilities of landlocked states, organized here in the Congress Center. Yesterday, large-scale exhibitions were opened at the Turkmenbashi International Airport and the International Seaport.

Let us remind that this conference was organized by Turkmenistan jointly with the United Nations. The initiative of Turkmenistan to hold the forum was enshrined in the relevant UN Resolution adopted in 2021.