Portugal Champions Connectivity and Partnerships at LLDC3 in Turkmenistan

The Portuguese Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Ana Isabel Xavier, attended the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) held in Awaza, Turkmenistan, dedicated to “Driving Progress Through Partnerships.” The conference brought together Heads of State, Ministers, UN officials, and private sector leaders to address the unique challenges faced by the world’s 32 landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), which collectively represent 570 million people. 

Key Outcomes

Portugal salutes the adoption of the Awaza Political Declaration and the formal endorsement of the Awaza Programme of Action (2024–2034) – a landmark framework aimed at reducing trade costs, improving infrastructure, and strengthening resilience against climate and economic shocks. 

Portugal’s Role

Portugal advocated for inclusive partnerships and digital connectivity, emphasizing the importance of integrating LLDCs into global value chains and leveraging technology for sustainable growth.

LLDCs face higher trade costs than coastal countries, and more acute limitations in transport infrastructure. Portugal’s engagement at LLDC3 reflected some of its broader foreign policy priorities: promoting multilateralism, supporting developing countries, and advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.