Caspian Littoral States Prepare Agreements on Marine Research and Anti-Poaching
This week, from October 13 to 17, working meetings of experts from the Caspian littoral states were held in Ashgabat. Delegations from Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan discussed draft pentalateral documents aimed at strengthening environmental security and scientific partnerships in the Caspian region.
The focus was on two areas of cooperation. It was discussed a draft agreement between the governments on cooperation in marine scientific research in the Caspian Sea. A draft protocol on cooperation in combating illegal fishing of aquatic biological resources (poaching) was reviewed. This protocol will supplement the Caspian Security Agreement of November 18, 2010.
Representatives of relevant ministries and agencies, as well as expert centers, including the Academy of Sciences and the Institute of the Caspian Sea of Turkmenistan, participated in the meetings.
Participants acknowledged the progress achieved in project development and agreed to continue their joint work. Turkmenistan, an active supporter of the protection of Caspian biodiversity, currently chairs the Commission on the Conservation and Rational Use of Aquatic Biological Resources of the Caspian Sea (2025–2026).
In its Priority Positions for the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, Turkmenistan also confirmed its intention to actively promote the Caspian Environmental Initiative, underscoring the long-term and strategic nature of its efforts in the region.
International experts expressed gratitude to the Turkmen side for the high level of organization of the negotiations.
ORIENT
