Rwanda and Turkmenistan Forge New Diplomatic Ties Ahead of Major UN Summit on Landlocked Nations

In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Rwanda and Turkmenistan have formally established bilateral relations, marking a new chapter of international cooperation between the East African nation and the Central Asian republic. 

On Wednesday, July 16, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, held a phone conversation with his Turkmen counterpart, Rashid Meredov. The dialogue followed the official announcement made on Monday, July 14, regarding the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations. 

The high-level exchange focused not only on consolidating the newly established relationship but also on preparations for the upcoming Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs).  

The summit, scheduled to take place in Awaza, Turkmenistan, from August 5 to 8, will spotlight key issues such as connectivity, trade, and sustainable development for landlocked nations. 

The formalization of diplomatic relations was sealed during a signing ceremony at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Ambassador Martin Ngoga, Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the UN, and Ambassador Aksoltan Ataeva, representing Turkmenistan, signed a joint communiqué on behalf of their respective governments. 

Following the ceremony, Ambassador Ngoga expressed hope for a promising partnership, highlighting Rwanda’s dedication to multilateral cooperation and commitment to addressing global challenges collaboratively. 

Both countries have pledged to collaborate actively within the framework of the United Nations, especially in areas of mutual interest, such as economic development, infrastructure connectivity, and sustainable innovation, crucial themes for landlocked nations facing high transportation costs and limited access to international markets. 

The upcoming LLDC summit will bring together member states, international institutions, and development partners under the theme “Advancing Development through Partnerships.” The goal is to identify effective strategies to strengthen economic resilience and regional integration for countries without direct access to the sea. 

Turkmenistan, the host nation, is a landlocked state in Central Asia bordered by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Iran, with the Caspian Sea to the west. With a population of over 7 million, Turkmenistan follows a policy of international neutrality and is currently led by President Serdar Berdimuhamedow. 

Rwanda, one of Africa’s most progressive landlocked countries, is expected to offer valuable insights at the summit on how such nations can unleash their economic potential through regional partnerships, infrastructure investments, and policy innovation. 

This newly established partnership between Rwanda and Turkmenistan reflects a growing recognition that landlocked countries must work together across continents to overcome shared structural challenges and that diplomacy remains a key lever for achieving sustainable development.