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The third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries opened on Tuesday in Awaza, Turkmenistan, with the participation of Morocco.
The Kingdom is represented by a delegation led by the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, and including notably Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Omar Hilale; the Ambassador of the Kingdom to the Republics of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan, Mohamed Rachid Maaninou; along with several diplomats and officials from the Ministry of Transport and Logistics.
The opening session of this conference, which runs until August 8, was held in the presence of National Leader of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, heads of state and government, and representatives of participating countries.
In his opening address, the National Leader of Turkmenistan emphasized that the work of this conference is likely to contribute to the security and sustainable development of landlocked countries. Given their strategic position, he argued that particular attention should be given to these nations to foster their economic development and strengthen their trade ecosystems and transport infrastructure.
These countries, located across different continents, are carrying out promising projects in trade, investment, technology, and science, he noted, adding that these nations, rich in cultural heritage, are well-positioned to contribute to strengthening international relations and regional policies.
He further stated that the time has come to adopt new approaches and more effective mechanisms to address issues concerning landlocked developing countries’ access to the sea, highlighting his country’s support for UN efforts in this field.
For his part, Guterres noted that the UN is actively engaged in efforts to support the sustainable development of landlocked developing countries, advocating for the implementation of strategies to mobilize the financial resources needed to help these nations overcome barriers to development.
In this regard, the UN Secretary-General underscored the importance of promoting international solidarity and assuming responsibility to enhance cooperation with these countries, especially in the fields of technology and freight transport.
According to the UN, landlocked developing countries suffer from isolation and face challenges in international trade, connectivity, and economic development, which significantly impacts their growth.
Through debates, high-level meetings, and exchanges between experts, investors, and representatives of international organizations, the third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries offers an opportunity to devise innovative solutions and build strategic partnerships to help these countries unlock their potential and achieve their sustainable development goals.
Source: map
