According to Mehr News Agency, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the remarks at a summit on the theme “Caspian Sea: A Bridge to Friendship and Regional Development” that brought together governors of 12 provinces from five Caspian Sea coastal countries held in Rasht on Tuesday.
In his remarks, Iran’s top diplomat said that the Caspian Sea coastal states are a priority for Iran in terms of cooperation and strengthening regional ties.
“Neighboring countries are our priority and this is the most fundamental principle of the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. We plan and strive to expand our relations with neighboring countries and take advantage of important political, economic, social, cultural and even security opportunities with them,” he stressed.
He stressed that just as the Persian Gulf is extremely important to Iran, so is the Caspian Sea. “As you know, the Islamic Republic of Iran borders 15 countries by sea and land. Just as the Persian Gulf and its surrounding areas are important to us, the Caspian Sea is equally important. We are engaged with very important neighbors in this region and face many important issues.”
Aragushi stressed that Iran’s relations with the Caspian Sea littoral states are strategic and highly goal-oriented, reflecting Iran’s commitment to regional stability and cooperative development.
He further stated that all relations between Iran and the Caspian Sea coastal countries are very good and strategic. “The relationship between Iran and Russia is a strategic partnership, and a 20-year strategic cooperation agreement was signed between the two presidents last year. Dr. Pezeshkian has completed successful visits to Russia and Azerbaijan, and will also visit Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan within the next month.”
Mr. Aragushi said that the Caspian Sea region is of great importance in areas such as energy and transport corridors, and stressed that the region also has great potential for cooperation in the fields of trade and tourism.
Furthermore, he said that Iran’s three coastal provinces, along with the holy cities including Mashhad, are among the biggest tourist destinations for the Iranian people, and expressed his hope that these regions will also become important destinations for regional tourism.
“The Caspian Sea is a treasure trove of various resources,” he concluded.
The Caspian Sea Region Governor’s Summit, with the theme “Caspian Sea: A Bridge to Friendship and Regional Development,” opened on Tuesday morning in Rasht, the capital of Gilan Province, Iran, with the participation of 12 provinces from five countries in the region.
The summit, hosted by the Islamic Republic of Iran, will include five governors from Iran and seven governors from Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. The panel will feature a general panel and three specialized panels covering economy and investment, transportation and logistics, and environment and fisheries, all moderated by senior national and state officials.
During the summit, governors and official delegations will discuss joint projects, strengthening transportation and north-south corridors, revitalizing port capacity, and establishing trade agreements between states, with the aim of strengthening economic, environmental, cultural and tourism cooperation.
The event will also provide a platform to promote Caspian tourism, coordinate regional policies, showcase the agricultural, industrial and investment capabilities of the coastal states, and promote joint trade exhibitions.
The Caspian Sea region is of strategic importance for trade, energy and environmental resources. Cooperation between coastal states can enhance regional development, facilitate cross-border trade, protect the environment, and promote tourism. Such summits provide a formal platform for dialogue, showcase investment opportunities, and coordinate regional policies to foster economic and cultural cooperation.
MNA/6659888