Embassy Press Release

The creation of an extensive and secure international transport infrastructure is an integral part of global sustainable development. Resolution on "Strengthening the links between all modes of transport for the achievement of sustainable development goals" was adopted on December 20, 2017 at the 74th meeting of the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly on a unanimous basis and is a vivid confirmation of the importance of global transport infrastructure. This resolution was submitted by Turkmenistan, with 74 states acting as co-authors. This fact testifies to world community’s support and high assessment of the policy of independent neutral Turkmenistan.

The resolution calls for efforts to promote regional and interregional economic integration and cooperation, including improving transport infrastructure planning and mobility, strengthening transport links, and promoting trade and investment. In this document, world community welcomed the efforts of the Government of Turkmenistan hosting the first UN Global Conference on Sustainable Transport in 2016 and particularly noted the Ashgabat statement adopted at this forum. In addition, the resolution emphasized the importance of the Ashgabat Declaration adopted at the International High-Level Conference on the Role of Transit Transport Corridors in Ensuring International Cooperation, Stability and Sustainable Development, which was held on September 3 and 4, 2014 in the Turkmen capital in conjunction with the European Economic Commission, the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and the International Road Transport Union.

Moreover, the adoption of the resolution is another important step in the implementation of the initiative of the President of Turkmenistan, expressed at the 66th session of the UN General Assembly in September 2011, regarding the coordination of UN activities in the field of transport and the development of the United Nations Special Interregional Transport Development Program.

Thus, today Turkmenistan acts as a key link in the development of a new regional and interregional transport and communication infrastructure. The tangible steps taken by Turkmenistan in recent years to accelerate the development of a modern transport and transit logistics infrastructure have given a powerful impetus not only to the national economy, but also to regional development trends. Inhabiting an extremely favorable geographical position, confidently strengthening its position as an important transit and transport regional center, Turkmenistan strives to realize the existing impressive potential for the common good.

A good example is the commissioning of the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway, which can transport up to 10-12 million tons of cargo per year. In addition to economic benefits, this highway contributes to the strengthening of good neighborly relations.

Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Tajikistan railway is also called upon to become an important component in transport between the countries of the Asian region. On November 28, 2016, the ceremony of commissioning the first stage of the transnational rail track for the Asian International Railway Corridor was held at the Imamnazar station. Undoubtedly, with the commissioning of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Tajikistan railway, there will be opportunities for effective implementation of the transit and transport potential of the two states, their active integration into the system of modern international economic relations. The construction of the Serhetabat-Turgundi railroad will also give a powerful momentum to the partnership.

Great importance is also attached to the development of the Turkmen Navy and, in particular, to the International Seaport of Turkmenbashi, the construction of which was launched in August 2013. The port is to be built on the Caspian coast and will become an important link in the formation of a modern system of sea transportation, bringing trade and economic cooperation between the countries of Asia and Europe to a new level.