Ashgabat, August 06 (QNA) - The State of Qatar affirmed that it will continue to play its role as an effective strategic partner in confronting challenges and responding to global needs.

Qatar has spared no effort in supporting the aspirations of landlocked developing countries and assisting them in their journey toward achieving sustainable development, under the wise directives of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, which embody a solid approach to strengthening cooperation and partnership with the international community.

This came in the State of Qatar's statement, delivered by HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, at the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), held in Awaza, Turkmenistan, under the theme "Driving Progress through Partnerships."

Her Excellency expressed the State of Qatar's welcome to the adoption of the Awaza Program of Action (APoA) 2024–2034, recognizing the structural challenges facing landlocked developing countries, particularly those related to transportation, transit, and logistics, which limit their ability to achieve regional integration and integrate into the global economy.

She added that, in affirmation of its concern for the situation of the least developed countries (LDCs), including the LLDCs, the State of Qatar is proud of hosting the Fifth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries in March 2023, and to continue its pioneering role in implementing the Doha Program of Action (DPoA) 2022-2031.

She indicated that in this context, the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), in cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), is working to finance two projects within the program's outputs, which are concerned with enhancing food security and supporting countries' resilience and crisis-response capabilities.

The State of Qatar is also preparing to host the high-level meeting for the mid-term review of the Doha Program of Action in 2027, to follow up on progress and enhance the implementation of commitments until 2031.

Her Excellency highlighted that the State of Qatar is a major investor in the United Nations Development Program Accelerator Labs Network project.

She added that last year, it also launched its initiative to swap debt for investment in education, in partnership with the World Bank, based on its belief that education is a fundamental pillar of renaissance and progress.

HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation also noted the State of Qatar's readiness to host the Second World Summit for Social Development, affirming its unwavering commitment to social development issues and in line with its vision of placing people at the center of development and strengthening international partnerships toward building more just, prosperous, and sustainable societies.

In this context, she said that the international community affirmed, through the outcome document of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, known as the Sevilla Commitment, its commitment to continuing to implement the Doha Program of Action for the Least Developed Countries and the Program of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries (2024-2034).

HE Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad pointed out that the document called for strengthening efforts to achieve sustainable development and accelerating the integration of landlocked developing countries, least developed countries, and small island developing states into the international trading system by improving infrastructure, especially digital infrastructure, developing statistical systems, removing trade barriers, expanding partnerships, and facilitating access to concessional financing.

She reiterated the State of Qatar's full commitment to working with all partners at various levels to implement the Awaza Program of Action and to continue its support for landlocked developing countries in their quest to achieve sustainable development and prosperity for their people. (QNA)