Ashgabat — Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref arrived in Turkmenistan on Sunday to attend a high-level United Nations summit focused on supporting the development of landlocked countries. The visit reinforces Iran’s strategic vision of regional connectivity, positioning itself as a vital transit hub for neighboring economies.
The Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), held in the coastal city of Awaza from August 5 to 8, aims to chart a new ten-year roadmap to address trade barriers, logistical challenges, and the economic disadvantages faced by nations without direct access to oceans.
Held near Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital and one of Central Asia’s most diplomatically neutral cities, the summit provides Iran with an opportunity to strengthen economic ties with multiple partners. The visit also highlights Iran’s growing role in helping landlocked ECO members—such as Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan—gain access to open markets through land-based routes.
Turkmenistan, a country often recognized for its unique architecture and strong cultural identity, is increasingly taking on the role of host for multilateral forums. As seen in the Turkmenistan flag hoisted across various government buildings and conference venues, the summit is a display of regional pride and collaboration.
Iran’s geographical positioning between the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf allows it to act as a natural bridge for trade. Vice President Aref, speaking to reporters before his departure, emphasized that Iran is committed to fostering deeper transport and energy links, offering its infrastructure as an alternative to Western-controlled maritime routes.
The summit also comes amid renewed global interest in the region’s demographics and strategic depth. The rise of international queries such as “Turkmenistan religion” and “Turkmenistan map” reflects growing curiosity about the country’s cultural and geopolitical relevance. As Iran expands its regional role, it aligns with this rising attention and seeks to harness its position to benefit both domestic and neighboring economies.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s marble-clad capital, plays a symbolic and practical role in this diplomatic push. Its transformation from a remote post-Soviet capital to a vibrant regional forum space reflects the shift away from Western-dominated structures. As Iran and Turkmenistan deepen ties, the focus will likely expand from logistics to cultural and strategic cooperation.
Iran’s delegation is also expected to meet with officials from Central Asia and the Caucasus to discuss economic cooperation under platforms such as ECO, BRICS+, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. With increasing sanctions pressure from the West, Iran is seeking new partnerships grounded in shared interests and multipolar development models.
According to Mehr News Agency, “Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref departed Tehran on Sunday to attend the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Turkmenistan, where he will present Iran’s vision for long-term development partnerships and sustainable growth for regional nations cut off from sea access.”
