Iranian Envoy Calls Caspian Sea a Unified Civilizational and Security Domain

Focus on Transit, Energy, and Joint Free Zones
Gharibabadi laid out a vision for enhanced regional collaboration, driven by the economic and geographical advantages of the Caspian region:

1-Transit Hub: He underscored the Caspian's crucial role as the natural intersection of the North-South and 2-East-West transit corridors. He called for strengthened port capacities and logistical harmonization among provinces to increase the sea's share in international trade.
3-Economic Integration: The Iranian envoy introduced the strategic concept of creating Joint Free Zones among the coastal nations. He argued this measure could multiply trade, investment, and industrial cooperation, serving as a vital link between local and national economies.
4-Energy Reserves: Gharibabadi noted the region's significant oil and gas reserves, proposing the definition of 5-joint projects and mutual investment to translate these resources into shared regional prosperity.

Fisheries, Security, and Environmental Urgency
The speech also highlighted environmental stewardship and resource management as non-negotiable foundations for the region's long-term stability:

1-Food Security: Recognizing the Caspian as the world’s largest source of sturgeon, he stressed that managing its valuable fisheries and combating illegal fishing requires scientific coordination among the coastal provinces.
2-Inseparable Triad: Gharibabadi emphasized that "Security, Development, and Environment" form an indivisible triad, warning that environmental sustainability is a prerequisite for the continuity of all economic activities, including energy and transit.

The Iranian official concluded by expressing hope that the decisions made by the governors would establish a new path for cooperation, transforming the Caspian Sea into a model for peace, constructive partnership, and balanced development.

Iranian Envoy Calls Caspian Sea a Unified 'Civilizational and Security Domain'