Rasht: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has emphasized that the Caspian Sea is as strategically important to Iran as the Persian Gulf, highlighting Iran’s strategic ties with Russia and its commitment to fostering cooperation among Caspian littoral states. Speaking at the opening of the first meeting of governors of Caspian coastal provinces in Rasht, Araghchi stated that Iran’s neighboring countries remain a top foreign-policy priority.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Araghchi affirmed Iran’s strong relations with all Caspian littoral states and noted that the country has established strategic partnerships with several of them, particularly Moscow. He highlighted the strategic partnership between Iran and the Russian Federation, underscored by a 20-year comprehensive cooperation agreement signed by the presidents of the two nations last year. This agreement facilitates ongoing political, economic, and international exchanges.
Araghchi also mentioned recent and planned high-level visits, noting that President Masoud Pezeshkian has traveled to Russia and Azerbaijan and is set to visit Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan soon. These engagements reflect the strong ties among Caspian-region leaders and their shared regional interests and concerns.
The significance of the Caspian Sea in energy, transit corridors, and trade connectivity was stressed by Araghchi, who underscored cooperation among the five coastal states based on common interests. He noted that enhancing economic and commercial exchanges via Caspian maritime routes is crucial for all regional countries.
Further, Araghchi highlighted the potential of Iran’s northern provinces, Gilan, Mazandaran, and Golestan, as major tourist destinations. He expressed hope that these provinces will attract visitors from other Caspian states.
The two-day meeting in Rasht, themed ‘Caspian: Bridge for Friendship and Regional Development,’ commenced with senior Iranian and foreign officials in attendance. Initiated by Iran, the gathering aims to strengthen regional cooperation, expand economic interaction, and coordinate efforts for sustainable development and environmental protection in the world’s largest enclosed inland water body. Delegations from nine foreign regions and five Iranian provinces are participating, seeking to promote collaboration on trade, transit, ecological preservation, and tourism development across the Caspian basin.