The Turkmen Institute of Engineering, Technology and Transport Communications hosted the International Scientific and Practical Online Conference “The Role of Turkmenistan’s Sustainable Transport Policy in Strengthening International Transport and Logistics Cooperation.” The event was dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, and World Sustainable Transport Day.
The conference brought together representatives of domestic and foreign sectoral enterprises and companies, educational and scientific institutions, as well as UNDP in Turkmenistan. The forum united participants from China, Russia, Belarus, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Germany, Turkey and the Netherlands.
During the plenary session, speakers discussed issues forming the international legal framework for transport cooperation.
The conference then continued its work in three thematic sections:
— “Turkmenistan’s Policy of Neutrality and Transport Diplomacy”
— “Scientific Foundations for the Development of Turkmenistan’s Transport System”
— “Interaction between Science, Education and Industry in Turkmenistan’s Transport Sector”
Speakers elaborated on the role of the transport sector in Turkmenistan’s socio-economic development, the country’s transport diplomacy in boosting international partnerships, as well as national and international projects implemented in automotive, railway, air, sea and river transport. They also emphasized the importance of Turkmenistan’s neutrality and “open-door” policy in successfully implementing transport strategies and strengthening international cooperation in this field.
It was noted that Turkmenistan, located in a favorable geo-economic zone, places special importance on utilizing its transit and transport potential. The state is making significant efforts to develop a sustainable transit and transport infrastructure that promotes harmonious development among countries worldwide. Extensive work is underway to create new transit corridors along East–West and North–South routes, which opens wide opportunities for mutually beneficial regional and international trade and economic ties across Eurasia.
Great attention in Turkmenistan is paid to the development and diversification of logistics. By implementing its transport and communication strategy, the country is strengthening its position as an important transport and logistics hub of regional and continental significance.
Speakers emphasized that Turkmenistan continuously expands its efforts and undertakes effective measures to ensure sustainable development and security in the region. The country attaches considerable importance to strengthening strategic cooperation with the United Nations. Turkmenistan puts forward important international initiatives and consistently works on their implementation within UN resolutions.
One recent example is the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in August this year in the National Tourist Zone “Awaza.” This major international event drew global attention to the challenges faced by landlocked developing countries and once again highlighted the vital role of transport infrastructure in achieving global sustainable development.
At Turkmenistan’s initiative, the UN has adopted six resolutions on sustainable transport. Among them is the resolution establishing November 26 as World Sustainable Transport Day, aimed at raising awareness of the importance of safe, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for socio-economic development. The date was chosen in honor of the First Global Conference on Sustainable Transport held in Ashgabat on November 26, 2016.
It was especially emphasized that Turkmenistan is an active advocate of international peace and trust, strengthening friendly and cooperative relations among peoples and states. This was reaffirmed by speeches delivered by Afghan representatives — graduates of the Turkmen Institute of Engineering, Technology and Transport Communications — who completed their studies at the university over different years and today successfully work in Afghanistan’s railway sector. The Afghan participants expressed sincere gratitude to Hero-Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar for the broad opportunities created for obtaining quality education and professional training in brotherly Turkmenistan.
A special exhibition was presented to the conference participants showcasing Turkmenistan’s achievements in the transport sector, as well as the scientific-research, methodological and educational accomplishments of the Turkmen Institute of Engineering, Technology and Transport Communications.
