The discussion followed the formal announcement of bilateral relations between Rwanda and Turkmenistan on Monday, July 14, marking a significant milestone in both countries' foreign policy engagement.
The ministers' conversation focused on the newly established ties and the upcoming Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), scheduled to take place in Awaza, Turkmenistan, from August 5 to 8.
The formalisation of diplomatic ties was sealed at a signing ceremony held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Rwanda's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Martin Ngoga, and Turkmenistan's Permanent Representative, Ambassador Aksoltan Ataeva, signed a joint communiqué on behalf of their respective governments.
Speaking after the ceremony, Ambassador Ngoga expressed optimism about the future of Rwandaâ€"Turkmenistan relations and reaffirmed Rwanda's commitment to engaging in multilateral cooperation to tackle shared global challenges.
Both nations pledged to collaborate closely within the UN framework, particularly in areas of common interest such as trade, connectivity, and sustainable development â€" key themes of the forthcoming LLDC summit.
The Third UN Conference on LLDCs will bring together member states, development partners, and international institutions under the theme Driving Progress Through Partnerships.
The summit aims to address the structural challenges faced by landlocked countries, such as high transport costs and limited access to global markets, and to explore strategies for boosting economic resilience and regional integration.
Turkmenistan, the summit's host, is a landlocked Central Asian country bordered by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Iran, with the Caspian Sea to the west. With a population of over 7 million, it has maintained a policy of neutrality in international affairs and is currently led by President Serdar Berdimuhamedow.
Rwanda, one of Africa's most dynamic landlocked nations, is expected to contribute to discussions on how countries without direct sea access can unlock their economic potential through infrastructure investment, regional partnerships, and policy innovation.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
