Zarif highlights security, peace and stability of Caspian Sea

According to IRNA, Zarif made the remarks in foreign ministers meeting of Caspian Sea littoral states in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Iran believes in transparency, peaceful use of the sea, avoiding arms race, guaranteeing demilitarization, consistency of the understanding achieved in Astrakhan Summit declaration about prohibition of a third party presence in the sea and preparatory works to resolve crises. he said.

The foreign minister called for adequate grounds be prepared for peace and stability in the region, saying that peace and security are the pre-requisite for economic development and prosperity of nations.

The Caspian Sea legal regime convention is a comprehensive document which will draw up principles for cooperation and activities as well as rights and obligations of the littoral states, he added.

The legal regime should contain interests of all littoral states, Zarif said, adding that the littoral states must respect the fundamental elements of 
- Peace and Security, 
- Sustainable development,
- Fair maritime delimitation 

I hope the meeting would reach important outcomes and prepare ground for holding the 5th summit meeting in Kazakhstan, Zarif said.

The foreign minister thanked his Kazakh counterpart Erlan Idrissov and Kazakhstan government for hosting the meeting and expressed hope that the 5th Summit meeting would be held in beautiful state of Kazakhstan in a near future.

The one day meeting of foreign ministers of Caspian Sea littoral states kicked off on Wednesday morning in Astana.

Foreign Ministers of Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan Republic, Iran and Turkmenistan reviewed issues concerning Caspian Sea legal regime convention.

The Caspian states Summit meetings were held in Ashgabat in 2002, Tehran 2007, Baku 2010 and 2014 in Astrakhan.