Voice. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged the landlocked countries to move ahead on the journey of prosperity through an inclusive global partnership with shared responsibility. He also expressed his resolve to transform Nepal from landlocked to land-locked with infrastructure development and utilization of technology.

Addressing the plenary session of the 3rd United Nations Conference of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC) at The Voice of Turkmenistan today on behalf of the Group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) as well as Nepal, Pm Oli made it clear that the geography of these countries could not be a barrier in the long run to reach the destination of prosperity if cooperation at regional and international levels was enhanced in a deep manner.

Stating that the landlocked countries are suffering due to the threats of climate change and disaster risk, he stressed the need to come up with a firm determination and clear plan in the journey of inclusive and adaptive economic growth by moving to the digital economy.

He suggested the landlocked countries to have strong political will, renewed and strong global partnership that will not leave any country behind, and coordinate work at all levels. “I firmly believe that with the right policies, strong solidarity and support, these countries will excel in transforming from landlocked to landlocked to landlocked, from transit dependent to trade competitive and from climate risky to climate adaptation.” ’

“We have to take the path for common opportunities including equality and inclusion by adopting policies of structural transformation, trade facilitation and regional integration, transit, transport and connectivity, climate adaptation,” he added. ’

Stating that the fate of any country should no longer be determined on the basis of geography, pm Oli believes that they can overcome the limitations of landlockedness with strong partnership, smart investment and unwavering collective will.

“We believe that regional unity and global cooperation are crucial to bridging the development gap. “We are working together with our neighbours India and China to enhance connectivity and cooperation in many areas,” he said, adding, “We are confident that with the continued support of our neighbours India and China and the wider international community, we will be able to turn the barrier of landlockedness into a gateway to opportunity.” ’

Stating that Nepal was ready to cooperate as a member of the landlocked country’s family, he said Nepal would remain as a partner and not just as a beneficiary of this transformation. He also expressed nepal’s commitment to implement the national aspiration of ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali’ while supporting the ‘Awaja Program Framework’.

The process of addressing the heads of state and government of the participating countries is going on. On the sidelines of the conference, PM Oli will also hold meetings with the heads of delegations of various countries and high-ranking officials of the United Nations and other international organizations.