The problem of shallowing of the Caspian Sea was discussed by the deputy prime ministers of five countries - Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Russia and Kazakhstan. At the meeting, held in the Avaza National Tourist Zone, general concern was expressed about changes in the Caspian ecosystem, it was emphasized that the decrease in water levels negatively affects the socio-economic development of coastal regions and requires immediate coordinated action, Orient reports.
In his speech, Vice-Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov noted that effective cooperation should be built on the basis of decisions and agreements reached at the Summits of the heads of Caspian states. The Vice-Chairman emphasized that Turkmenistan takes an active position on the environmental agenda in the Caspian Sea and recalled the "Caspian Environmental Initiative" announced by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly.
A proposal was put forward at the meeting to create a multilateral mechanism for the joint study of sea level fluctuations. The Coordinating Committee for Hydrometeorology of the Caspian Sea, where data and observations have already been exchanged, can be used as a platform for this interaction. This measure will help to form unified approaches and standards for predicting further changes and taking adaptation measures.
The meeting participants agreed that the problem of shallowing requires an integrated approach that covers not only ecology, but also economic aspects. The following areas of cooperation were discussed: expanding research cooperation to reduce the negative impacts of changes in the sea ecosystem; implementing joint programs in the field of fisheries, shipping and biodiversity conservation; intensifying regional environmental dialogue within the framework of the Tehran Convention. It was noted that, despite environmental challenges, the sustainable growth dynamics of trade turnover between the Caspian states creates a solid foundation for deepening cooperation in both bilateral and multilateral formats. The participants expressed gratitude to the Turkmen side for the high organizational level of the meeting and agreed to continue the constructive dialogue.
