Turkmenbashi:An expanded meeting of the Caspian Environmental Summit was held on October 9 in Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan, with the attendance of President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan.
According to Azeri-Press news agency, President Aliyev expressed gratitude for the initiative led by Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to hold the summit. He emphasized that the Caspian Sea’s environmental challenges are a common concern for all littoral states. Aliyev highlighted the growing economic and strategic importance of the Caspian Sea, noting the need for cooperation to maintain it as a zone of peace and stability.
During his address, President Aliyev pointed out the significant issue of the Caspian Sea’s declining water levels, which have been ongoing for years and recently accelerated. This decline has resulted in a reduction of more than 20,000 square kilometers in the sea’s surface area, creating nearly 30,000 hectares of dry land in Azerbaijan’s section alone. The decline affects coastal economies, ecosystems, and infrastructure.
Aliyev called for a shift from discussions to action by establishing expert groups to identify causes and develop measures to prevent further declines. He stressed the need for a scientific assessment of the factors influencing the sea level, including reduced river inflow and economic activities, to mitigate long-term consequences.
President Berdimuhamedov expressed appreciation for Aliyev’s address, affirming Turkmenistan’s commitment to improving the Caspian Sea’s ecological condition and continued cooperation with regional partners.