Awaza, Turkmenistan – Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Isaak Mursal, delivered a compelling address at the 3rd United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), held in Awaza, Turkmenistan. Amid a gathering of more than 30 nations, UN agencies, and development partners, Mursal urged enhanced regional connectivity and economic collaboration between landlocked and coastal states.
During his speech, Mursal highlighted Somalia’s pivotal position along the Red Sea and Indian Ocean corridors, emphasizing its potential as a strategic gateway for trade and digital infrastructure. He called for investments in transport networks and digital platforms to bridge the gap between landlocked nations and international markets.
“The sustainable development of both landlocked and coastal nations depends on collaborative efforts in infrastructure, trade facilitation, and digital connectivity,” said Mursal.
He further noted that Somalia is committed to serving as a regional partner—offering port access, maritime logistics, and digital linkages—to support economic development for neighboring landlocked countries.
On the sidelines of the summit, Mursal engaged in a series of bilateral meetings, exploring opportunities for partnerships in regional trade corridors, port modernization, and technical cooperation in telecommunications and transport planning.
The summit reviewed progress since the Vienna Programme of Action and mapped out strategies for the coming decade—stressing integration, climate resilience, and equitable global cooperation. Mursal’s participation underscores Somalia’s renewed focus on multilateral diplomacy and its alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly on trade, infrastructure, and inclusive development.