Ethiopia, Turkmenistan pledge closer ties to advance equitable global development

Addis Ababa, August 7, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia and Turkmenistan have agreed to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation aimed at promoting equitable and sustainable development, particularly for landlocked nations.

The commitment was made during a high-level meeting between Ethiopia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Alemu Sime, and the Chairperson of the Parliament of Turkmenistan (Mejlis), Dunyagozel Gulmanova. The meeting took place on the margins of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (UNLLDC3), currently underway in Awaza, Turkmenistan.

Also present at the meeting was Ethiopia Ambassador to Turkmenistan with residence in Islamabad, Jemal Beker Abdula.

The two sides discussed common challenges related to limited and inequitable access to seaports and pledged to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy in pursuit of shared development goals. Minister Alemu emphasized Ethiopia’s peaceful and principled efforts to secure maritime access, calling it an existential priority for the country.

He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to regional integration and inclusive growth, highlighting flagship national initiatives such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and the Green Legacy Initiative, both of which aim to foster sustainable, climate-resilient development across the region.

Chairperson Gulmanova echoed the importance of solidarity among landlocked nations and called for deeper cooperation to address transit-related barriers. Both parties underscored the urgency of developing efficient transport corridors, streamlining customs procedures, and establishing integrated economic zones to reduce transit times and costs.

The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to coordinate more closely on the global stage in defense of the interests of landlocked developing countries, the Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad told Fana Media Corporation in a press note sent to Fana Media Corporation.