Gharibabadi: Caspian Sea security is an endogenous regional responsibility

Tehran - BORNA - Kazem Gharibabadi made the remarks during a conference commemorating Caspian Sea National Day, stating: "We commemorate August 12, Caspian Sea Day, which serves as a reminder of the significance of this body of water and the shared responsibility of its littoral states."

He added that 23 years ago on this day, the five Caspian littoral nations signed the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea, known as the Tehran Convention, in Tehran, which has now been in force for two decades.

Caspian geopolitical importance highlighted by recent 40-Day War

The Deputy Foreign Minister noted that for Iran and its neighboring coastal states, the Caspian Sea has always been more than just a body of water, historically forming part of the geography, identity, and relations of surrounding societies.

Gharibabadi continued: "Recent regional developments, particularly the 40-Day War waged by the Zionist regime and the United States against the Islamic Republic of Iran and its aftermath, once again highlighted the geopolitical and strategic importance of the Caspian Sea, underscoring its place in the strategic calculations of littoral states and regional equations."

He stressed that Caspian coastal nations are impacted by developments in this sea more than any other country, making it natural that primary responsibility for its security, stability, and future rests with them.

Ban on non-coastal military presence reaffirmed

Emphasizing that Caspian security is an endogenous regional responsibility, Gharibabadi asserted that security must be maintained exclusively by littoral nations through mutually agreed-upon mechanisms.

"Security in the Caspian region and the prohibition of military presence by non-coastal states are strongly emphasized by the Islamic Republic of Iran and other littoral nations," he affirmed.

Highlighting the potential of the Caspian Sea to expand cooperation among coastal states, he noted that despite differing viewpoints, the body of water continues to maintain channels for dialogue and collaboration among the five neighboring nations, serving as an arena for confidence-building and regional partnership.

Tehran to host 7th Conference of Parties to the Tehran Convention in September

Addressing environmental issues, Gharibabadi emphasized that protecting the Caspian environment is a fundamental necessity rather than merely an environmental concern. He warned that ecosystem degradation, declining living resources, pollution, climate change, and dropping water levels directly impact coastal communities, economic activities, fisheries, shipping, ports, and coastal infrastructure.

The senior diplomat also announced that Iran will host the 7th Conference of Parties (COP) to the Tehran Convention, stating: "With the agreement of littoral states, arrangements have been made to hold the 7th Conference of Parties to the Tehran Convention in Tehran on September 23, featuring high-ranking officials from all five coastal nations."

Concluding his remarks, Gharibabadi urged all coastal states to initiate necessary preparations to maximize the event's success, calling the Tehran summit a valuable opportunity to strengthen Caspian diplomacy, enhance bilateral and multilateral contacts, and foster constructive future engagement.

End Article