Caspian states discussing security deal in Baku
Deputy foreign ministers of the Caspian littoral states started
their two-day meeting in Baku on Thursday that aims to agree upon a
draft agreement on cooperation in ensuring security of the
resource-rich basin.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, in his opening remarks, said the document had been drafted by Azerbaijan and covers joint activities in countering a number of grave crimes.
"The draft agreement outlines cooperation in the area of combating terror and organized crime, illegal circulation of arms, nuclear materials, narcotic substances, psychotropic items, and their precursors, illegal migration, and human trafficking."
According to the minister, such collaboration could be carried out by exchanging information and experience, conducting joint activities, etc. "At the same time, holding meetings and consultations between the authorized bodies [of the coastal nations] no less frequently than once a year is envisioned."
Further, Mammadyarov said bringing the Caspian states’ positions closer on issues of principle regarding the draft convention on the basin’s legal status, which has been unresolved for many years despite numerous rounds of talks, will provide groundwork for the next summit of the countries’ leaders. "This being said, all Caspian littoral states should step up their efforts."
Mammadyarov noted that a slew of core issues pertaining to the Caspian status remain to be agreed, including the use of the water surface, finalizing the division of the seabed, navigation, fishing, as well as such security issues as demilitarization and the movement of military ships.
As for issues that have been agreed, the minister cited environmental protection and utilization of bio-resources.
"One may hope that the rapprochement that is being seen will also foster a ground for making a decision on the division of the water surface," Mammadyarov added.
Azerbaijan has signed agreements on dividing the Caspian into national sectors with Russia and Kazakhstan. However, Baku faces a dispute with Turkmenistan and still has not agreed the status issue with Iran, which supports equal division of the seabed among the coastal nations.*
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, in his opening remarks, said the document had been drafted by Azerbaijan and covers joint activities in countering a number of grave crimes.
"The draft agreement outlines cooperation in the area of combating terror and organized crime, illegal circulation of arms, nuclear materials, narcotic substances, psychotropic items, and their precursors, illegal migration, and human trafficking."
According to the minister, such collaboration could be carried out by exchanging information and experience, conducting joint activities, etc. "At the same time, holding meetings and consultations between the authorized bodies [of the coastal nations] no less frequently than once a year is envisioned."
Further, Mammadyarov said bringing the Caspian states’ positions closer on issues of principle regarding the draft convention on the basin’s legal status, which has been unresolved for many years despite numerous rounds of talks, will provide groundwork for the next summit of the countries’ leaders. "This being said, all Caspian littoral states should step up their efforts."
Mammadyarov noted that a slew of core issues pertaining to the Caspian status remain to be agreed, including the use of the water surface, finalizing the division of the seabed, navigation, fishing, as well as such security issues as demilitarization and the movement of military ships.
As for issues that have been agreed, the minister cited environmental protection and utilization of bio-resources.
"One may hope that the rapprochement that is being seen will also foster a ground for making a decision on the division of the water surface," Mammadyarov added.
Azerbaijan has signed agreements on dividing the Caspian into national sectors with Russia and Kazakhstan. However, Baku faces a dispute with Turkmenistan and still has not agreed the status issue with Iran, which supports equal division of the seabed among the coastal nations.*
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