Ashgabat, Turkmenistan – Ethiopia and Turkmenistan have agreed to collaborate on overcoming the shared challenges of being landlocked and to boost regional integration and trade connectivity.
The agreement was reached on the sidelines of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (UNLLDC3), currently being held in Turkmenistan. Ethiopia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Dr. Alemu Sime, and Turkmenistan’s Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations, Nazar Halnazarovich Agahanov, held bilateral talks aimed at resolving long-standing logistical barriers.
Both ministers recognized that high transport costs, dependence on neighboring countries’ ports, and regional instability are major obstacles hindering economic growth. They emphasized the urgent need to build low-cost, efficient, and resilient transport systems to facilitate smooth trade.
Dr. Alemu Sime stated that the UN conference offers an important platform to transform shared logistical challenges into strategic opportunities. He expressed confidence that new global partnerships could accelerate progress for landlocked nations.
Minister Agahanov also underscored the importance of continued integration, noting that creating an uninterrupted flow of goods, services, and ideas is crucial for regional development. He reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s commitment to investing in infrastructure and international agreements that can benefit both nations.
Agahanov described Ethiopia as a vital African gateway, just as Turkmenistan serves as a strategic link to Central Asia. He expressed strong interest in expanding bilateral cooperation with Ethiopia.
Concluding their meeting, the ministers agreed to expand their partnership and explore innovative trade routes and flexible business models. Both sides aim to reduce reliance on traditional shipping corridors and develop sustainable alternatives aligned with the theme of the summit: “Driving Progress through Partnerships.”