Turkmenistan is actively preparing to host the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in August, which will be held in the “Avaza” National Tourist Zone. The conference will bring together representatives of 32 countries, representing more than 570 million people. The event is aimed at addressing pressing issues of transport, trade and economic development of landlocked countries.

As the State News Agency of Turkmenistan notes, Turkmenistan positions the development of transport infrastructure as a key factor in the economic integration of landlocked countries. In preparation for the conference, special attention is paid to two priorities: energy transformation and transport connectivity.

The country is actively involved in the implementation of major regional projects, including the Ashgabat Agreement on the Establishment of the North-South and East-West International Transport Corridor, the “Lapis Lazuli” Agreement, and the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran Railway.

In September last year, a 177-meter railway bridge was put into operation on the Turkmen-Afghan border as part of the Serhetabat-Turgundi steel highway. Construction of the Serhetabat-Herat fiber-optic communication line has begun.

Particular importance is attached to the Trans-Afghan Railway Corridor project, which will connect Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan, providing Afghanistan with access to the sea ports of the Indian Ocean.

The formation of a modern maritime merchant fleet has been designated by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov as a priority area of state transport policy. Maximum use of the capabilities of the Turkmenbashy seaport should radically change the logistics chains of continental cargo transportation.

The conference in “Avaza” is intended to become a new stage in the international dialogue on issues of development of transport infrastructure and economic integration of landlocked developing countries.