Caspian Sea plays decisive role in regional relations

Former Iranian Ambassador Mohsen Pakayin stated that the Caspian Sea plays a decisive role in shaping relations among the five littoral nations. Due to its unique biodiversity and geopolitical position for shipping, the sea is of vital importance to countries like Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan, which lack access to international waters.

Pakayin highlighted that the 2018 convention on the legal status of the Caspian Sea, signed by the presidents of Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan, facilitates constructive cooperation in political, military, fishing, environmental, and scientific sectors. A key achievement of this convention is the explicit prohibition of military involvement by non-littoral countries and the commitment not to allow territories to be used for military purposes by other states, enhancing the sea's stability and security.