Turkmenistan proposes to hold a meeting of foreign ministers of the Caspian littoral states (Turkmenistan, Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Kazakhstan) in 2024 on its territory, Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov said at a meeting of the heads of foreign ministries in Moscow on Tuesday, TASS reports.
"Once again we emphasise the need to organise such meetings every year alternately in the cities of our countries. In conclusion, let me propose holding next year's regular meeting of foreign ministers of the Caspian littoral states in Turkmenistan," Rashid Meredov stated while speaking at the meeting.
As reported by Turkmen Foreign Ministry, Rashid Meredov emphasised the importance of energy cooperation in the Caspian Sea. The Minister emphasised that Turkmenistan believes that constructing submarine infrastructure in the Caspian Sea fulfils the economic requirements of the coastal states and serves as an essential condition for ensuring energy security and sustainability in Eurasia. The ministry emphasised that this belief is based on equal consideration of the interests and benefits of energy producers, consumers, and transit countries.
The meeting confirmed the willingness of the Caspian littoral states to cooperate closely on environmental matters in compliance with the agreements of the Sixth Caspian Summit in Ashgabat last summer. In this regard, the participants emphasised the importance of cooperating internationally within the framework of the "Caspian Environmental Initiative" proposed by the President of Turkmenistan.
The meeting concluded with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Caspian littoral states adopting the Statement.
