Iran, Russia, Central Asia states ink Caspian Sea pact, plan naval drills
The navies of Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement on Wednesday, aimed at strengthening security in the Caspian Sea basin as the four countries deepen their relations.
The navies of Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement on Wednesday aimed at strengthening security in the Caspian Sea basin — the latest sign of Iran’s rapprochement with its northern neighbors following its war with Israel and the reinstatement of UN economic sanctions.
What happened: The so-called Caspian Sea Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Agreement was reached Wednesday during a meeting of the naval commanders of the four countries, held on the sidelines of the Caspian Sea littoral states’ summit in Saint Petersburg, which took place on Tuesday.
According to Iranian state-run Press TV, the document provides for boosting cooperation among the Caspian states to ensure sustainable security in the shared waters. It also states that no foreign country or regional power will be allowed to interfere in the internal affairs of the Caspian Sea. No further details were provided.
“This sea belongs to five littoral countries, and accordingly, ensuring security and issues related to the Caspian Sea can only be done by the decision of the littoral countries,” the navy commanders stated during their meeting, also referring to Turkmenistan, the fifth country bordering the Caspian Sea basin.
