The events are held in Turkmenistan.
Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Konstantin Kosachev participated in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in Avaza, Turkmenistan. The conference focused on key issues of sustainable development, including energy, transport, ecology, and environmental protection.
Konstantin Kosachev addressed the Parliamentary Forum, which was held for the first time as part of the Conference. He emphasised the relevance of the topic under discussion, noting its significance in a broader context for the upcoming Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva at the end of October.
The Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council highlighted Russia’s contribution to addressing the challenges faced by landlocked developing countries. This includes support for the UN Conference itself, debt relief initiatives, and assistance in international development. “Over the past decade, the annual volume of our assistance has doubled and now averages 1 billion US dollars,” he stated. The senator also noted that Russia presented its logistics and energy capabilities, which may be utilised by these countries when needed.
“This Conference is not only about countries without direct access to the sea; it touches upon the interests of all humanity. Addressing the challenges faced by these states will make a significant contribution to ensuring stable and sustainable development across many dimensions of human life. That is why the discussions taking place here are so important,” said Konstantin Kosachev.
“At the Parliamentary Forum, we are discussing how parliamentarians can contribute to the sustainable development of humanity, as outlined in the UN’s strategic action programme through national legislation, the strengthening of international law, and the allocation of additional budgetary resources,” the senator added.
During his visit to Turkmenistan, Konstantin Kosachev was received by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan.
On the sidelines of the Conference, Konstantin Kosachev met with Dunyagozel Gulmanova, Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. Their discussion focused on the development of bilateral cooperation, interaction within the IPU, and the prospects for holding the Second Interparliamentary Forum of Central Asian States and Russia (Forum 5+1) in Ashgabat.
A delegation led by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev also took part in the Conference.
The event was attended by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, heads of several states, and representatives of international organisations.
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Experts note that landlocked developing countries face significant challenges in trade, transport, and overall development due to the absence of direct access to the sea. Relying on transit states increases both delivery times and trade costs. The Conference provides a platform to seek solutions and foster partnerships aimed at overcoming these difficulties and unlocking the full potential of these nations.