EU Statement – United Nations: Annual Ministerial Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Landlocked Developing Countries

EU Statement - United Nations: Annual Ministerial Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Landlocked Developing Countries

26 September 2025, New York - European Union Statement by H.E. Mr. Stavros Lambrinidis, Ambassador and Head of the European Union Delegation to the UN at the Annual Ministerial Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Landlocked Developing Countries

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Excellencies, dear colleagues,

It is a special privilege to gather here today, for the first time since the Awaza Conference, where together we charted an ambitious course for Landlocked Developing Countries. The adoption of the Awaza Programme of Action was not only a milestone, it was a collective commitment to leave no LLDC behind. Today, our task is to turn that vision into concrete progress, to move from shared ambition to shared delivery.

The European Union and its Member States are determined to work hand in hand with LLDCs and all partners to tackle the structural challenges LLDCs face - from connectivity gaps to high trade costs, from climate vulnerabilities to limited access to finance.

A key take-away from Awaza is that strong partnerships are essential to unlock LLDCs' potential. The EU welcomes the Awaza Programme of Action as an ambitious roadmap to advance these partnerships.

Finance is at the heart of this agenda. We need a more inclusive and effective international financial architecture that responds to LLDC needs. In implementing the Seville Commitment, we are working to mobilize more accessible and efficient financial resources, notably with the Global Gateway, the EU's sustainable investment strategy.

LLDCs must move from being "land-locked" to "land-linked." This requires both hard and soft infrastructure. The Global Gateway invests in high-quality, resilient, sustainable, and inclusive projects.

Examples include:

• The Lobito Corridor, linking DRC and Zambia to the Angolan coast;
• The N'Djamena-Douala Corridor, linking the Sahel to the Gulf of Guinea;
• The Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor connecting Europe and Central Asia;
• Over EUR 700 million annually pledged to the Great Green Wall Initiative in the Sahel;
• Electricity access in Nepal through the Chilime-Trishuli line;
• And much more.

Beyond infrastructure, LLDCs need strong policies, institutions, and skills. The EU also supports South-South cooperation, reinforced by triangular partnerships, to reduce trade costs and foster integration.

These efforts are invaluable when focused on better tax systems and domestic resource mobilization, human-centered digitalization and trade facilitation, as well as inclusive policies that reduce inequalities and address gender disparities.

Colleagues, the success of LLDCs is essential for global prosperity. The EU stands ready to work constructively with LLDCs to implement the Awaza Programme of Action. Together, through stronger partnerships, better financing and deeper integration, we can build sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future, where no country is left behind.

Thank you.