Caspian countries discuss prevention of maritime emergencies

Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, April 16/Trend. Trend H. Hasanov / Ashgabat is hosting a meeting of representatives of the Caspian states to discuss the draft agreement on the prevention of natural and man-made disasters in the Caspian Sea and in the coastal zones and elimination of consequences on April 16-17, the Turkmen government said on Tuesday. The meeting is organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Enterprise for the Caspian Sea under the President of Turkmenistan. The forum is attended by authorised representatives of Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan. The draft agreement on cooperation in this field has been developed by the Turkmen side in accordance with the initiative of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed during the third summit of the Caspian states held in Baku (Azerbaijan) in November 2010, Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper said on Tuesday. According to Turkmen dovlet khabarlary, a draft document was presented to all participating parties. "The favourable geographical location, rich hydrocarbon, fish and other natural resources and good climatic conditions have contributed to the fact that today the Caspian region has become the fastest growing industrial, transport and resort centre. The establishment of coherent international cooperation for forming an integral and robust system of ecological security of the Caspian Sea acquires special urgency in this regard, Turkmen dovlet khabarlary reported. The Caspian Sea is the world's largest inland water reservoir of climate generating importance not linked with any world ocean. It is unique for preserving various relict flora and fauna, including the world's largest shoal of sturgeon (90 per cent of the world's supply). Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az