Littoral States will Form Caspian Sea Cooperation Organization

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that the second summit of the heads of Caspian Sea littoral states in Tehran has achieved all premeditated goals, adding that littoral states have agreed to form a Caspian Sea economic cooperation organization. Speaking to reporters during a joint press conference with his Russian, Kazakh, Turkmen and Azeri counterparts here on Tuesday, Ahmadinejad described the summit as excellent, and voiced pleasure from the endorsement of the first political document by the presidents of all the five littoral states, which he described as “a great achievement”.

He said that the heads of state have raised their views about different Caspian-related issues under a sincere and friendly atmosphere and reiterated the need for the consolidation of solidarity and cooperation among the littoral states.

“During the summit meeting, various issues were studied and good agreements were made, which will be a milestone in the relations and joint cooperation of the neighboring countries,” the Iranian president said.

He said in addition to the final statement of the summit, the heads of state have agreed to send their deputy prime ministers and economic ministers to Moscow next summer to attend an economic cooperation conference to study and endorse agreements on the formation of a Caspian Sea economic cooperation organization to be presided by Russia.

According to Ahmadinejad, participants have delivered responsibility for the regulation of the Caspian Sea security arrangements to Azerbaijan.

“The heads of state also agreed to attend annual summits,” he said, adding that he and his colleagues have decided that their foreign ministers meet biannually.

Ahmadinejad also said that the next summit would be held in Baku.

“The Caspian Sea will be a sea of peace and friendship and solidarity among littoral nations forever,” he said.

To conclude his remarks, the Iranian president praised his colleagues for their active participation and positive resolve and hectic cooperation in the Tehran summit.