Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has underscored Moscow's commitment to engage in proactive and constructive endeavors within the framework of the Caspian Five, consisting of Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. The objective is to fortify the region's status as a thriving hub for international cooperation. Minister Lavrov made this statement during the inaugural session of the interdepartmental commission on Caspian cooperation.
"Russia is committed to proactive and constructive engagement within the Caspian Five format to enhance the region's standing as a zone of peace, harmony, good neighborly relations, and productive international collaboration," stated the foreign minister.
Lavrov emphasized that the collaborative efforts of the Caspian littoral states constitute a significant element in upholding security, stability, and sustainable development across Eurasia. He explained, "Our aim is to explore ways to enhance the efficiency of our endeavors in pursuing Russia's diverse interests in the Caspian Sea. This includes facilitating the region's potential in trade, economics, transit, science, humanitarian efforts, among other areas, while also ensuring the preservation of the delicate ecological balance within this water body."
In this context, the Russian foreign minister underscored that the North-South international transport corridor holds a position of "top priority" within Russia's leadership. Lavrov emphasized, "All these domains necessitate close collaboration with the coastal states, the harmonization of interests, and joint efforts to address issues in the Caspian region." Moreover, Lavrov pointed out that, as stipulated by the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea, exclusive jurisdiction over matters concerning this unique body of water rests with the five littoral countries.
Furthermore, the minister stressed the importance of a robust international legal framework in the work of the Caspian littoral states. He stated, "There are nine bilateral agreements in various fields, ranging from environmental protection and economic cooperation to disaster prevention and response, that are now in effect. An additional seven agreements have been signed by all riparian nations and are currently undergoing domestic procedures. Moreover, there are ten more projects related to various areas of cooperation that are in the negotiation and development stages."
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Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS