Awaza, Turkmenistan – 7 August 2025
The ECO Secretary General, Dr. Asad M. Khan held a bilateral meeting with Ms. Rabab Fatima, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS), on the sidelines of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) in Awaza.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the two sides to discuss avenues for strengthening cooperation between ECO and OHRLLS in advancing the development agenda of the ECO region’s landlocked countries.
Discussions covered priority areas including trade facilitation, connectivity, sustainable transport, regional integration, and implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action which addresses the special needs of LLDCs. Parties underlined the synergies between ECO’s regional initiatives and the global efforts of OHRLLS to support inclusive and sustainable development. Dr. Khan underlined that the cooperation and support of the OHRLLS in implementing the APA would be highly appreciated.
Congratulating Ms. Fatima and the Government of Turkmenistan for the excellent organization of this very important high-level Conference, the ECO Secretary General reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to working closely with the United Nations and OHRLLS to address the unique challenges faced by landlocked developing countries, particularly in enhancing regional cooperation, boosting economic resilience, and promoting sustainable growth.
