Caspian littoral provinces call for stronger economic, environmental, transport cooperation
Participants in the first meeting of governors of the Caspian Sea littoral provinces have called for expanded economic cooperation, improved transport infrastructure, and strengthened environmental protection for the strategic body of water.
The two-day conference, titled “Caspian: A Bridge of Friendship and Regional Development,” was held on November 18–19, 2025, in the northern Iranian city of Rasht.
The event was hosted by the governor of Gilan Province and attended by governors, senior regional officials, and representatives from the coastal provinces and regions of Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan.
On the second and final day of the conference, domestic and international guests are scheduled to hold discussions and exchange views before departing to visit Gilan Province’s logistical and tourism capacities. They will tour several areas of the province, including the port city of Anzali, and will also visit the Caspian Free Zone.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, authorities of the provinces stressed the importance of expanding economic exchanges in areas such as trade, agriculture, processing industries, mutually beneficial investments, and maritime tourism.
They also underscored the value of participating in economic and environmental exhibitions and events dedicated to Caspian-related issues.
The statement voiced support for the promotion of sustainable tourism and welcomed the expansion of scientific and research cooperation among universities and academic centers across the Caspian region.
Participants emphasized the Caspian Sea’s pivotal role in developing transport and logistics capacity, expressing support for ongoing efforts by littoral states to build and modernize transport infrastructure.
The provinces called for the preservation and responsible use of marine biological resources, measures to prevent illegal fishing, and stronger action to combat marine pollution, conduct environmental monitoring, and protect biodiversity.
They also emphasized the need to study the causes of the Caspian Sea’s declining water level.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who attended the meeting, said Tuesday that the Caspian Sea is as strategically important to Iran as the Persian Gulf, noting that littoral countries have engaged in joint cooperation for years to address shared interests and concerns.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, also addressed the meeting, underscoring that the future of the Caspian Sea must be based on peace, cooperation, prosperity, and win-win partnerships.
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