Oriented on making people closer

A key working meeting of ministers of landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) was held in Seville as part of the Fourth Forum on Financing for Development (FFD4). The event, held under the auspices of the discussion "Financing the New Development Decade for Landlocked Developing Countries", brought together high-level representatives from more than 20 countries, as well as heads of international organizations. The discussions focused on ways to mobilize financial resources for sustainable development and reforming the international financial architecture. Among the key speakers and participants of the meeting was Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan Mammetguly Astanagulov, whose speech emphasized Ashgabat's principled position on global cooperation.

Turkmenistan's Priorities: From Financing to Transit Potential

In his speech, Minister Astanagulov noted the importance of the updated global approach to development financing, reflected in the Outcome Document of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development. According to him, such an approach will provide access to additional and innovative financial resources, helping to eliminate the financing gap and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, especially in developing countries. Turkmenistan expressed its commitment to the recommendations of the Outcome Document, including the timely implementation of relevant development programs and strategies, including the Avaza Action Framework for Landlocked Countries for the Decade 2024-2034.

The Minister emphasized the need for structural transformation of the LLDC economies, benefiting from international trade and developing efficient transport and transit systems. In his opinion, the key priorities in financing are: structural transformation, science, technology and innovation, as well as the development of sustainable transport systems and logistical connectivity. Simplification of trade procedures, according to Astanagulov, will expand integration at the regional and global levels. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening adaptive capacity and reducing vulnerability to climate change and disasters.

Avaza - a Platform for Global Dialogue

Minister Mammetguly Astanagulov focused on the upcoming Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), which will be held on August 4-8 this year in the Avaza National Tourist Zone on the Caspian Sea. Turkmenistan confirmed its full readiness for constructive dialogue and cooperation to successfully hold this important event. LLDC 3 is expected to become a key platform for discussing sustainable development financing, strengthening partnerships and developing effective strategies to address LLDC issues.

Global Solidarity for Peace

In conclusion, the Minister stressed that today's global challenges require a strong commitment to multilateralism, international cooperation and global solidarity based on peace and harmony. He recalled that, on the initiative of Turkmenistan, the UN declared 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust. As part of this Year, the International Forum on Peace and Trust will be held in Ashgabat on December 12, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. The event will bring together participants from all over the world to strengthen the culture of peace and develop further steps for global consolidation.

Turkmenistan invited all participants of the LLDC Ministerial Meeting to take an active part in the upcoming key events, confirming its readiness for the most active, constructive and proactive participation in multilateral cooperation on all pressing issues of the global dialogue on development financing.

ORIENT

Photo: Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan