TEHRAN (Iran News) Gharibabadi, who is also Iran’s Special Representative for Caspian Sea Affairs, made the remarks on Sunday while explaining the framework of the event that will host the governors, officials, and economic activists of the coastal provinces from Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.

He said the summit in the city of Rasht on November 18 and 19 will be based on the resolution of the Third Caspian Economic Conference held in Tehran in February last year and will provide a platform for developing trade, economic, and transit cooperation.

According to him, ambassadors and consul-generals of Iran in four Caspian Sea littoral states and the envoys of these countries in Tehran will also attend the meetings and specialized roundtables.

Gharibabadi noted that the economy, investment, regional development, transit, logistics, the North-South Corridor, and the Caspian Sea ecosystem are on the agenda of discussions.

He continued by saying that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni will participate and speak at the opening ceremony, and First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref will deliver a speech at the closing of the International Conference of Governors of the Caspian Sea Littoral States in Rasht.

He said the summit in the city of Rasht on November 18 and 19 will be based on the resolution of the Third Caspian Economic Conference held in Tehran in February last year and will provide a platform for developing trade, economic, and transit cooperation.

According to him, ambassadors and consul-generals of Iran in four Caspian Sea littoral states and the envoys of these countries in Tehran will also attend the meetings and specialized roundtables.

Gharibabadi noted that the economy, investment, regional development, transit, logistics, the North-South Corridor, and the Caspian Sea ecosystem are on the agenda of discussions.

He continued by saying that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni will participate and speak at the opening ceremony, and First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref will deliver a speech at the closing of the International Conference of Governors of the Caspian Sea Littoral States in Rasht.

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TEHRAN (Iran News)  Commander of Iran’s Navy Rear Admiral Shahram Irani has praised close cooperation between the Caspian littoral states, saying they do not need foreign powers to ensure regional security.

Rear Admiral Irani made the remarks on Tuesday at the meeting of naval commanders of the Caspian Sea littoral countries in Saint Petersburg, Russia. He was accompanied by the Iranian ambassador to Russia and a delegation consisting of senior commanders of the naval force.

Stating that the Caspian Sea is not a place for extra-regional powers, he said that countries along the sea themselves make decisions about this strategic water and will not allow outsiders to gain a foothold.

The Iranian commander, while expressing his satisfaction with the recent joint exercises in Bandar Anzali and the southern shores of the sea dubbed “CASAREX 2025” under the banner “Together for a Safe and Secure Caspian Sea,” also announced new drills involving the littoral states.

At the meeting, which is being hosted by Admiral Aleksandr Moiseyev, the commander-in-chief of the Russian navy, Rear Admiral Irani noted that the Caspian Sea belongs only to the five countries, including Iran, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, and its issues will be resolved by these countries themselves.

He further said that the Caspian littoral states are at a level that can ensure sustainable security and contribute to economic dynamism and solve environmental issues.

The meeting of the naval chiefs focuses on maritime security, joint military exercises, and countering smuggling, building on the 2018 Aktau Convention that defined territorial waters and resource rights.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Seyed Mohammad Atabak made this proposal on Monday during the economic session of the Caspian Sea Summit, held at the Parsian Azadi Hotel in Tehran. The meeting was attended by representatives from Iran, Turkmenistan, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan.

Atabak emphasized the need to consolidate efforts to establish a regional technology park where member countries could collaborate on advancements in pharmaceuticals, industrial innovations, and artificial intelligence.

“This initiative will allow us to share industrial knowledge, leading to technological advancements among Caspian Sea nations,” he stated.

Regarding financial transactions, Atabak highlighted that Iran and Russia have already established trade mechanisms using their national currencies. He noted that both countries can now conduct transactions in their local currencies, with banking operations, including card payments, being seamlessly executed.

The minister also proposed a barter trade system with other Caspian states to further facilitate industrial, commercial, and technological exchanges. He stressed that such mechanisms would enhance trade and cooperation among member nations.

Atabak pointed out the region’s significant industrial potential and called for the formation of specialized working groups to harness and expand these capabilities. “By establishing these groups, we can enhance industrial technology and increase economic exchanges among member states,” he said.

He further underscored the need for boosting trade among Caspian Sea nations, stating that the current trade volume is relatively low compared to the region’s potential. He suggested organizing business meetings among entrepreneurs from these countries, with their findings being presented to their respective governments.

“This approach will maximize the commercial exchange capacity of tradable goods among our countries through private sector involvement,” Atabak concluded.

Meanwhile at the meeting on the economic, customs, banking, and investment outlook for Caspian Sea littoral states, participants emphasized the importance of the Caspian Sea and the opportunities for joint trade cooperation.

During the meeting, Iran’s Deputy Minister and Head of the Organization for Investment, Economic, and Technical Assistance highlighted the Caspian Sea’s economic significance. He stated that the Caspian Sea, a valuable water border among the five participating countries with a history spanning over two million years, possesses unique characteristics that necessitate a shared strategic approach by all neighboring states.

Abolfazl Koudei emphasized the necessity of cooperation among the Caspian littoral states to maximize the benefits of this shared resource. He stressed the importance of collaboration in customs, banking, investment, free trade zones, and leveraging private sector capacities. These issues were key topics at the third Caspian Economic Forum.

He also underscored the need for harmonizing customs regulations through standardized procedures, reducing trade barriers, implementing simplified trade agreements, and establishing joint trade corridors and logistics centers using modern customs technology.

Reza Masroor, Secretary of the Supreme Council of Free Trade Zones, highlighted the readiness of Iran’s free trade zones to enhance commercial cooperation with the Caspian littoral states, particularly Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, which share land borders with Iran.

He pointed out that these shared free zones could play a significant role in advancing the digital economy and new technologies. Additionally, he stressed the necessity of forming a Caspian Sea Cooperation Council to expand regional trade ties.

Ali Akbar Shamani, Acting Head of Iran’s Customs Affairs, discussed the importance of customs agreements and the digitalization of all customs processes to ensure the swiftest possible transactions. He highlighted that these advancements could be expanded to facilitate regional trade.

Dr. Asgari, a representative from Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the region’s vast trade potential. He emphasized that reducing tariff barriers, facilitating trade, and developing shared infrastructure are essential measures to maximize these opportunities.

He proposed establishing a union of banking institutions and insurance companies among the Caspian Sea littoral states with participation from both private and public sectors.

These discussions reflect the growing need for increased economic convergence and cooperation among Caspian Sea nations to capitalize on shared resources and opportunities.

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TEHRAN (Iran News)  Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says his country supports the expansion of cooperation among the Caspian Sea littoral states to protect mutual interest and the environment.

Pezeshkian made the remark on Monday in a phone call with Turkmenistan’s National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow.

The Iranian president said that his country seeks peace and friendship in all parts of the world, and welcomes cooperation with Turkmenistan and other countries to realize that goal.

He also said that Iran intends to boost cooperation with Turkmenistan in other sectors, adding that the Joint Economic Cooperation Commission would help expand bilateral ties.

Berdimuhamedow congratulated Pezeshkian on the 46th anniversary of the victory of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, which fell on Monday.

He called for expansion of economic cooperation with Iran, including in transportation, energy and gas swap.

Berdimuhamedow said that Turkmenistan also wants to have broader cooperation with Iran in art and culture as the two countries share a common cultural background.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) According to the Iran Ministry of Roads & Urban Development website reported, Ali-Akbar Marzban said on Tuesday on the sidelines of the 8th International Expo of Transportation, Logistics, and Related Industries in Tehran that Russia plans to launch a new cruise route on the Caspian Sea.

This cruise route will visit all Caspian littoral states, namely Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Russia, he added.

According to the proposed plan by the Russian, cruise ships will depart from Astrakhan port in Russia and, after passing through the ports of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Baku in the Republic of Azerbaijan, it will arrive at Anzali port in Iran, he added.

Marzban said that Iran is taking the necessary measures for this plan and expresses hope that the Caspian Sea international cruise route will be launched soon.

According to Marzban, it is expected that this cruise route will be launched and the cruise ship will enter Iran in the next three months.

This cruise route will visit all Caspian littoral states, namely Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Russia, he added.

According to the proposed plan by the Russian, cruise ships will depart from Astrakhan port in Russia and, after passing through the ports of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Baku in the Republic of Azerbaijan, it will arrive at Anzali port in Iran, he added.

Marzban said that Iran is taking the necessary measures for this plan and expresses hope that the Caspian Sea international cruise route will be launched soon.

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Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Rear Admiral Irani stated that the deployment of the Deylaman destroyer will provide security for shipping in the Caspian Sea.

He explained that since all navy training centers are located in the north of Iran, a vessel should have been present in the Caspian Sea to improve the navy students’ skills.

The commander added that Deylaman is the latest model of the Jamaran class, with updated equipment.

According to Admiral Irani, Deylaman is a powerful vessel that can act very well in the fields of “detection, interception, and rescue.”

Admiral Irani also announced that two military drills will take place in the the Indian Ocean; one includes a rescue exercise with Oman, to which other countries are invited, and the other would involve a sustainable security exercise with more countries in the northern parts of the Indian Ocean.

Speaking on the occasion of November 28- the National Day of Navy in the Iranian calendar-, the commander highlighted that with the efforts of Iran’s navy, including escorting more than 10,000 commercial ships and oil tankers, Iran never faced the stoppage of oil exports and import of goods during the imposed war of the 1980s.

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The meeting of the ministers of the contracting parties to the Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea with the presence of the ministers of Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan was held from September 30 to 31 in Geneva.

In his speech at the meeting, Salajeqeh stated that the destruction of livelihoods and the marine environment is the result of the shrinking of the water level of the Caspian Sea, IRIB reported.

He said: “Insufficient attention to the quality of the Caspian Sea environment puts the economy and the livelihood of the marginal communities at risk. The only salvation depends on the immediate and coordinated action of all five countries bordering the sea.”

Salajeqeh appreciated Mukhtar Babayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Azerbaijan Republic, and the officials of the United Nations Environment Program European (UNEP) Regional Office for holding the consultative meeting of the ministers and high-ranking officials of the environment of the member countries of the Tehran Convention and the administration of the interim secretariat of this convention.

“The Caspian Sea is a valuable resource for the people living in its vicinity. It is a common natural heritage that must be preserved for current and future generations,” IRIB quoted Salajeqeh as saying.

The official pointed out that by preserving the environment of this sea, people and coastal communities will all benefit from the Sea and economic activities will be reinforced to achieve sustainable development.

“Nevertheless, there are still many challenges ahead to achieve sustainable development in the region. Although guaranteeing a stable future for the Caspian Sea has been covered to an acceptable extent by the Tehran Convention and its additional protocols, drifting a timed implementation plan in line with the Convention and its additional protocols to be implemented in full is far more necessary and urgent.

Pointing to the increase in Caspian seal casualties as a major environmental concern, he called for an immediate meeting between the managers of the fisheries organizations and the environment departments of the five coastal countries.

He also mentioned the other issues caused by the decrease in the water level of the Caspian Sea.

In addition to its negative effects on shipping, it has also affected the livelihood of coastal people, aquatic life, and the unique vegetation of the Caspian Sea, he said.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is fully ready to cooperate with littoral states to control the level of water reduction in the Caspian Sea.

Another challenge that was referred to by Iran’s head of DOE was the pollution caused by land as well as oil.

He stated, “Ignoring the pollution will deprive the future generations of a clean and fruitful sea. In combating oil pollution, fortunately, the Aktau protocol has been signed and come into force. Cooperation with this protocol can be a part of the solution.

He highlighted that what was said is only part of the most important issues facing us in the Caspian Sea. These challenges are impossible to overcome unless with structured and regular cooperation in the form of the Tehran Convention.

After about 17 years since the Tehran Convention came into force, we are at a stage where achieving its goals depends on institutional and serious measures.

The presence of coherent and strong secretariats in the region can provide the necessary platform for these measures to be taken.

“Fortunately, relevant decisions have been made in this regard, and we are obliged to take steps forward to protect the environment of the Caspian Sea by adhering to these decisions.”

Salajeqeh said at the sixth meeting of the contracting parties in Baku, all parties, with a commitment to common interests and respect for the environment of the Caspian Sea, tried to reach a consensus on the important issues under discussion, but reaching a common opinion faced serious challenges. That’s why we are committed today in this meeting to solve these challenges.

I believe completing and finalizing the Baku statement will provide an opportunity for the expert groups to discuss the disputed issues and reach a concrete result.

So far, we have missed a lot of opportunities to implement the Tehran Convention, and many of the current environmental problems are the result of that.

Therefore, I request the heads of the delegations of the Caspian Sea littoral states to take firm steps together, due to our commitment to our common heritage, to finalize the headquarters and organizational arrangements of the Secretariat of the Tehran Convention.

In the end, Salajeqeh stated, “Considering the essential role of regular and timely holding of the meeting of the parties in advancing its goals, I hope that by the next meeting of the parties in Tehran, the Secretariat of the Tehran Convention to be established in the region.

Tehran convention pollution to follow up on Caspian Sea

On August 8, Salajeqeh said the issue of pollution in the Caspian Sea would be followed up on within the framework of the Tehran Convention.

“We hope that we can solve both the problems of water rights and pollution within the framework of the Tehran Convention,” ISNA quoted Salajeqeh as saying.

The entrances to the Caspian Sea have been closed by neighboring countries, especially the Volga River, he said, adding: “On the other hand, the amount of precipitation has decreased in the entire Caspian Sea watershed.”

Some statistics say that the Caspian Sea has receded by almost one meter over the past 4-5 years. On average, the Caspian Sea recedes 20 centimeters per year, Salajeqeh noted.

Tehran Convention

In 2003, the Caspian Sea littoral states, comprising the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation, and Turkmenistan, signed the (Tehran) Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea.

Following ratification by all five Governments of the Caspian littoral states, the Tehran Convention entered into force on the 12th of August 2006.

The objective of this Convention is the protection of the Caspian environment from all sources of pollution including the protection, preservation, restoration, and sustainable and rational use of the biological resources of the Caspian Sea.

The Tehran Convention serves as an umbrella legal instrument that not only aims at protecting the Caspian environment from all sources of pollution but also targets the preservation, restoration, and protection of the Caspian Sea species and habitats.

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On the sidelines of TransRussia Exhibition in Moscow, Bayat touched upon Iran’s share of transit of Russian goods as well as South and East Asian countries and the actions taken for developing this market, and said that in line with the policies of the government for reinforcing ties with domestic traders and economists as well as Russian and Indian economists for expansion of the North-South Corridor, IRISL invested very much in the Caspian Sea.

He said that one of the investments is the ten-million-dollar investment in the Port of Solyanka, and the group has also signed an agreement for building and purchasing some 120 ships especial for ply in the Caspian Sea.

Bayat noted that IRISL is currently working on reinforcing the structures and infrastructures of transportation and therefore it has transformed a method for broadening trade exchange for transporting from India to Iran and Russia and vice versa.

He further said that on the sidelines of the exhibitions traders of many countries talked with IRISL and it shows that IRISL is now a famous brand under any condition.

Bayat reiterated that shipping in the Caspian Sea needs special ships, adding that Caspian Sea Shipping Line is the biggest and strongest shipping lines in the Caspian Sea and this company has 27 vessels and three more of vessels of omskiy type have been bought and will joint its fleet.

He went on to say that the group has signed an agreement for building four vessels that two of them are in their final stage of building.

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