ALWAGHT- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that the Caspian Sea is as strategically significant to Iran as the Persian Gulf, highlighting years of cooperation among littoral states on shared interests and concerns.
At the opening of the first international meeting of Caspian littoral governors in Rasht, Iran, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that neighboring countries are a top priority in Iran’s foreign policy. He highlighted Iran’s strong ties with nations in the Persian Gulf and Caspian Sea regions and praised its “excellent” relations with all Caspian littoral states, noting a strategic partnership with Russia, including a recent 20-year cooperation agreement.
Araghchi stressed the Caspian region’s importance for energy, trade, and transit, as well as tourism. He noted that Iran’s northern provinces and pilgrimage cities like Mashhad offer opportunities for regional collaboration in attracting visitors, reflecting the potential of economic and cultural exchanges across borders.
The minister also discussed “provincial diplomacy,” highlighting Iran’s efforts to involve local provinces in international relations. He described the conference as a pioneering initiative to engage provincial governments from Iran and neighboring countries in joint diplomatic and cooperative efforts, which could expand to other regional partnerships in the future.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi underlined the need for peaceful, cooperative, and sustainable management of the Caspian Sea. He emphasized coordinated efforts in fisheries, energy, ports, tourism, and environmental protection, while encouraging joint mechanisms to address climate challenges, marine pollution, and regional development. The two-day summit, hosted under the slogan “Caspian, a bridge of friendship and regional development,” includes delegations from Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Iran’s northern and southern provinces.
