Potential of Caspian Sea strategically important for littoral states’ economies

Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Jan.30/ Trend H. Hasanov / Full and comprehensive realization of the multifaceted potential of the Caspian Sea and its coast is strategically important for economies of neighboring states, including Turkmenistan given goals and challenges facing our country in the new historical era, the Turkmen government said in its commentary on Monday. Ashgabat hosted a regular meeting of Turkmenistan's interdepartmental commission on the Caspian Sea, which discussed the results for 2011 and certain tasks set for the near future. The Caspian Sea washes the coasts of Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Iran and Turkmenistan. The meeting in Ashgabat was attended by members of the Turkmen commission, consisting of heads of Oil and Gas ministry, Foreign Ministry, Nature Protection Ministry, State Enterprise on the Caspian Sea issues under the president, as well as State Fishery Committee and others. The meeting emphasized that during the reporting period, work was undertaken to prepare documents on the development the Caspian Sea's status based on international law, environmental protection, as well as on organizing and holding forums at the international level on all aspects of the Caspian problems. At the event it was noted that "As a consistent supporter of maintenance of peace, harmony and stability in the Caspian Basin, Turkmenistan stands for a constructive dialogue based on national interests of all parties and making common efforts in implementation of promising projects and complex approach to addressing challenges facing neighboring countries on all Caspian Sea issues". At the same time the basic principles defining "Turkmen state's position on international cooperation are goodwill, equality, mutual respect and healthy pragmatism". Route to Europe through the Caspian Sea and Azerbaijan is increasingly attractive for Turkmenistan, which ranks fourth for its natural gas reserves. Turkmen side expressed its willingness to conduct appropriate environmental examination to implement this project. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az