TEHRAN – Kazem Ghalibabadi, Under-Minister of Foreign Affairs for Justice and International Affairs and Special Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran for Caspian Affairs, said that the upcoming First Conference of Governors of the Caspian Regions, hosted by Gilan Oblast, is an important step towards deepening regional cooperation among the Caspian countries.
Speaking on Sunday, Gharibabadi said that following the resolutions adopted at the Third Caspian Sea Economic Forum to be held in Tehran in February 2024, a rally will be held in the city of Rasht on November 17 and 18. The gathering will bring together the governors of the 10 Caspian provinces of Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan, as well as the governors of northern and southern Iranian provinces. The ambassadors and consuls general of the Islamic Republic of Iran from these four countries, as well as the Tehran-based ambassadors of the Caspian Sea countries, will also be present.
He said the meeting will include discussions on strengthening economic cooperation, attracting investment and promoting regional development, as well as transport, logistics and expansion of the North-South Corridor. It will also address environmental issues such as fishing and restoring the Caspian Sea ecosystem.
According to Gharibabadi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Interior will give greetings at the opening ceremony, and the First Vice President will attend and give a speech at the closing ceremony.
He stressed that the conference aims to establish a sustainable framework for trade, economic and transport cooperation, while encouraging the exchange of experience and expertise between the coastal states of the Caspian Sea countries. The two-day event will also see the active participation of private sector representatives and economic actors from coastal countries who are expected to play a key role in promoting practical regional initiatives.
Also on Monday, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Bakaei emphasized the importance of the event, noting that it is the first time such a meeting has been held and that it will be held in Rasht. He said the initiative was proposed by Iran and approved by all five Caspian Sea littoral states, and all Caspian Sea countries would send delegations to participate. Several Iranian provinces are also expected to take part in the talks. The spokesperson stressed that the meeting aims to strengthen cooperation between the Caspian Sea littoral countries by fostering new channels of communication and connectivity.