NATIONAL SEA STRATEGY TO BE ELABORATED IN TURKMENISTAN

During the last session of the Government, Vice-premier, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov has informed the Head of the State on work for development of international cooperation in Caspian region. In this regard, importance of large-scale activity of President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for strengthening of multidimensional constructive cooperation with Caspian countries has been highlighted.

Today, our country takes steadfast measures for further intensification of efficient relations in Caspian Sea; long-term programs are under elaboration. In this regard, special attention is paid to development of the draft of integrated document – National Sea Strategy of Turkmenistan. It is planned to establish special Interdepartmental working group for development of final revision of the document.

Development of contractual and legal base of the partnership with coastal states is an important aspect. Important five-side documents on cooperation in Caspian Sea have been adopted previously based on initiatives of the President of Turkmenistan made at the Summits of the heads of Caspian States in Teheran in 2007, Baku in 2010 and Astrakhan in 2014.

Following the proposals made by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the V Caspian Summit in Aktau in 2018, the work on drafts of intergovernmental Agreements on cooperation in the sphere of scientific researches and search and rescue works in Caspian Sea is carried out.

Draft Protocols on cooperation in such spheres as combating against illegal production of biological resources (poaching) and provision of safety of navigation in Caspian Sea have been developed.

In addition, Draft Concept of new Caspian Ecological Program, which has been sent to Caspian states for study and further joint review, has been elaborated with participation of relative government authorities of Turkmenistan.

Taking into account what was said above, it is proposed to organize video conference meetings and consultations with coastal states in September – October this year for activation of work of five-side partnership mechanisms.

It is proposed to open Coordination Center in the Caspian Sea Institute for preparation to the VI Caspian Summit and to hold session of relative Interdepartmental Commission on September 19.

Summing up the report, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted that development of fruitful cooperation in Caspian Sea is one of priority vectors of foreign strategy of neutral Turkmenistan, which is based on principles of good neighborliness and open doors.

The Head of the State noted that Caspian region is big natural treasury of hydrocarbon resources, transit and transport hub of continental scale, perspective space for expansion of international trade and entry new foreign markets.

At the same time, Caspian Sea is a unique eco system with original flora and fauna, which provides the importance of cooperation in the sphere of scientific studies and ecology, establishment of channels of ‘green diplomacy’. At the same time, beautiful nature, rich history and culture allows Caspian Sea becoming one of the most popular tourism destinations.

It is necessary to concentrate on practical solution of current objectives of partnership aimed at provision of economic growth and improvement of competiveness of this region, its successful integration to modern system of the world economy as well as at strengthening of traditional cultural and humanitarian contacts between coastal states, Turkmen leader said.

Having approved given proposals, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov requested the Vice-premier, the Head of the Foreign Ministry to continue steadfast work in this direction.

http://turkmenistan.gov.tm/_eng/?id=15046