Iran (IMNA) - Speaking at the “Caspian: Bridge for Friendship and Regional Development” summit in Rasht, which brought together governors from 12 provinces across the five Caspian littoral countries, Araghchi emphasized that Iran prioritizes fostering strong political, economic, social, cultural, and security ties with neighboring states.
“Our neighbors are our priority, and this is the most fundamental principle in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Araghchi said. “Just as the Persian Gulf is critical for Iran, the Caspian Sea holds equal importance. We engage with significant neighbors in this region and face many important issues together.”
The Iranian foreign minister described Iran’s relations with Caspian littoral countries as strategic and highly goal-oriented. He noted that Tehran maintains particularly strong ties with Russia through a 20-year strategic cooperation agreement signed last year, while highlighting recent successful visits by Dr. Pezeshkian to Russia and Azerbaijan. Plans are underway for visits to Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan in the coming month.
Araghchi also pointed to the region’s potential in energy, transport, trade, and tourism. He underscored that Iran’s three Caspian coastal provinces, along with holy cities such as Mashhad, rank among the country’s top tourist destinations and could similarly attract regional visitors. “The Caspian Sea is a treasure trove of various resources,” he said.
The Caspian Governors’ Summit, initiated by Iran, features five governors from Iran and seven from Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan. The summit includes a general panel and three specialized panels focused on economy and investment, transit and logistics, and environment and fisheries, all moderated by senior national and provincial officials.
During the summit, governors and official delegations aim to strengthen regional cooperation in trade, tourism, environmental protection, and infrastructure development. Discussions include joint projects, enhancing the North-South transport corridor, activating port capacities, and organizing trade exhibitions.
The Caspian Sea region, rich in energy and environmental resources, remains strategically important for cross-border trade, investment, and sustainable regional development. Events like this summit provide a platform for dialogue, policy coordination, and the promotion of economic, cultural, and tourism collaboration among the littoral states
Your Comment