EU Statement – Annual Ministerial Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Landlocked Developing Countries
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Excellencies, Distinguished Ministers, Colleagues,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.
We thank the Chair of the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for convening this timely meeting.
We also thank Turkmenistan for hosting the third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries last year. The Awaza Programme of Action gives us a clear roadmap. One year after, the priority is its implementation.
Many landlocked developing countries face high transport costs, limited physical access to markets and major infrastructure gaps. Geography creates constraints, but it should not determine development prospects.
Scaling up requires a stronger pipeline of investable projects, and closer cooperation between LLDCs and transit countries. We must combine infrastructure with skills, institutional capacity and enabling conditions for responsible private investment.
We also recall the importance of establishing High-level panel of experts (to examine the application of the existing international laws and agreements, identify constraints, and make recommendations) on the freedom of transit for landlocked developing countries in accordance with applicable rules of international law.
The European Union and its Member States remain steadfast partners of LLDCs.
Between 2021 and 2024, Team Europe provided around EUR 43.3 billion in Official Development Assistance to LLDCs. The EU and its Member States accounted for 40 per cent of bilateral ODA, making Team Europe their largest development partner.
However, public finance alone cannot close the infrastructure gap. It must be used strategically to strengthen the enabling environment and reduce investment risks. The focus must be on creating the conditions conducive to investment: strengthening institutions and good governance, establishing predictable regulatory frameworks, and forging partnerships that mobilise responsible private capital.
This is the “Global Gateway” approach the European Union and its Member States are adopting with our partners.
Through grants, guarantees, development finance, technical assistance and policy dialogue, Team Europe helps turn investment opportunities into viable projects, by connecting partner countries with European companies, Member States and financial institutions.
Our offer is based on national priorities, mutually beneficial partnerships, high standards and the creation of sustainable local value creation.
The Global Gateway priorities on connectivity are especially relevant for the LLDCs.
The results are concrete:
The Lobito Corridor improves access to regional and global markets for Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, while supporting trade, jobs and regional value chains.
The Zambia-Tanzania-Kenya Interconnector is being developed to boost electricity trade, energy security and regional integration in East and Southern Africa.
The Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor is moving from vision to delivery, mobilising investment in transport, logistics and trade facilitation across Central Asia.
Global Gateway also supports satellite connectivity for remote and underserved communities in Central Asia, helping reduce the cost of distance and open new opportunities for businesses and public services.
These projects show how public resources can mobilise private investment around shared priorities.
The LLDC roadmap is agreed. Now we must mobilise investment and turn opportunities into connectivity.
Thank you.