On May 28, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov held a videoconference with the UN Under-Secretary-General, Representative for Landlocked Developing Countries Rabab Fatima, the Foreign Ministry of our country reports.

During the meeting, a wide range of organizational and protocol issues were discussed, as well as the substantive component of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), the Foreign Ministry notes.

The progress of work on preparing premises for plenary sessions, round tables, forums and other parallel events was also reviewed in detail.

The meeting emphasized the high importance of this conference in the context of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

It should be noted that in early May, preparations for the Third UN International Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries were discussed at an extended visiting meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, which President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held during a working visit to the Balkan region.

As noted then, this forum is planned to be held in August in the Avaza National Tourist Zone. The Avaza Sports Complex will be the venue for the conference and events within its framework.

During the meeting, Vice-Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Batyr Amanov reported on the preparations being carried out by the fuel and energy sector for the upcoming conference under the auspices of the UN. In particular, a special institution of the State Concern “Turkmengas” is carrying out construction and repair work and landscaping of the Avaza Sports Complex. Measures are also being taken to provide high-quality services to guests. During the meeting, it was also noted that the upcoming conference will include numerous events in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian areas.

The conference and accompanying events are expected to be attended by heads of state and government from 32 landlocked developing countries, 47 small island states, high-ranking representatives of 49 least developed countries, the UN Secretary General and his deputies, as well as heads and representatives of a number of international and regional organizations, financial institutions, public associations and the private sector.

In addition, work is underway to organize cultural events for the Central Asian states. Since the international conference will be held in Turkmenistan, it is planned to hold a national day for each Central Asian country in Avaza during this period to demonstrate their unique culture, art and national cuisine.