VP Highlights Iran’s Role in Regional Transit at UN Conference on LLDCs

First Vice President Mohammadreza Aref has underscored Iran’s strategic role in facilitating transit for landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), stressing the country’s position as a key transit hub connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Addressing the 3rd United Nations Conference on LLDCs in Awaza, Turkmenistan, on Tuesday, Aref noted that eight of the 32 landlocked developing countries globally – including Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan – maintain close bilateral and multilateral transit cooperation with Iran.

“Iran’s access to open seas and geographical proximity to several landlocked nations provides valuable mutual opportunities,” Aref said. “Through the development of its transportation infrastructure, the Islamic Republic has laid the groundwork for neighboring countries to benefit from these capacities to facilitate trade, economic development, access to global markets, and sustainable growth.”

Aref highlighted that Iran reached a record 20 million tons of transit cargo last year, attributing the achievement to enhanced regional collaboration. He emphasized Iran’s pivotal and strategic role as a transit link bridging three major continents.

Turning to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Aref condemned war crimes committed by Israel, labeling Gaza “the most blockaded area on earth.”

He criticized attacks on civilians waiting for food, water, and humanitarian aid, calling on the international community and human rights advocates to answer for the massacres of innocent people, including children, women, and the elderly. - IRNA