Statement by the Delegation of Armenia - Ms. Julieta Tavakalyan, Third Secretary of the Permanent Mission, at the UNGA79 Second Committee under the agenda item 21, entitled[...]

Mr. Chair,

The Delegation of Armenia would like to thank the Office of the OHRLLS for the presentation of the Secretary-General's reports, which illustrate the progress made by the countries in special situations in achieving sustainable development as well as persisting challenges deriving from their structural constrains and vulnerabilities.

In the times of interlinked crises that have significantly undermined development progress in many parts of the world, there is a need for renewed attention of the international community to the LLDCs, LDCs and SIDs to unlock the full potential of these countries and ensure their full and equal integration into global trade and economic processes.

We support the recommendations included in the SG's report on the need for enhancing transport connectivity, fostering entrepreneurship, investing in human capital development, and mobilizing necessary financial resources to contribute to the development aspirations of the LLDCs.

We look forward to the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries to be held in December in Botswana, as well as the adoption of the new Programme of Action, which provides concrete actions towards increasing the productive capacities, improving labour markets of the LLDCs and diversifying their economies.

Armenia welcomes the emphasis in the new PoA on eradicating poverty, utilizing the full potential of STI, fostering the integration of landlocked developing countries into the regional and global value chains, combating climate change, and strengthening their institutional capacities.

However, achieving tangible progress on five priority areas of the Programme of Action will require multiplied actions in the face of current and emerging crosscutting crises.

Mr. Chair,

As a landlocked developing country, facing serious geographical constraints, exacerbated by continued land blockade by some of its neighbours, which significantly impacts accessibility to the transit communication routes, Armenia underscores the importance of regional and sub-regional cooperation and connectivity.

Guided by the principles of inclusivity, transparency, equal partnership, Armenia jointly with the Office of the High Representative hosted a Ministerial Meeting of LLDCs in Yerevan in December las year, the Outcome Document of which highlighted the strategic importance of enhancing equitable, affordable and inclusive transport connectivity.

Having the vision of comprehensiveness, inclusiveness, non-discriminatory use of regional routes, the Government of Armenia has initiated the "Crossroads of Peace" project, which aims to promote communications between the countries of the region, with full respect for the state sovereignty, territorial integrity and principles of equality and reciprocity. The objective of this project is to enhance communications between countries of the region by renovating, building, and operating roads, railways, pipelines, cables, and electricity lines, thus opening up new opportunities for the movement of cargo, goods, and citizens and significantly enhancing our region's integration into global transportation networks. At the same time, we do believe that enhanced communications in our region and beyond, establishment of additional interconnectivity and interdependencies will contribute to the peace and stability.

Mr. Chair,

As a member of the Bureau of the Group, Armenia has been advocating for the needs and priorities of the LLDCs, continuously supporting the activities of the OHRLLS and actively engaging in the process of preparation of the new Programme of Action within the Core drafting team.

We have expressed our willingness to continue to advance the agenda of the Group within the Bureau, including through its chairmanship, reaffirming our strong commitment to maintain a collaborative approach in the Group to achieve our common goals and priorities and contribute to better realization of the potential of LLDC countries.

In conclusion, Armenia remains committed to engage actively in all relevant processes, foster cooperation, solidarity and partnership aimed at promoting the development agenda of all countries in special situations.

I thank you.

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