Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, September 20 / Trend H. Hasanov /
Turkmenistan is against the politicizing of unresolved issues in the Caspian Sea region, Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov said in an interview with Turkmen media.
"Delimitation of the seabed and subsoil of the Caspian Sea is a legal issue. It must be resolved exclusively in the legal field and in accordance with international norms," the president was quoted today by the Turkmen press as saying.
Berdimuhammedov said that Ashgabat seeks to depoliticize Caspian Sea questions and separate them from Turkmenistan's relations with other countries in the region. Active and multifaceted partnership in political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres, together with long-term projects in transport, energy, shipbuilding, maritime transport, telecommunications and communications, are being developed with each partner nation.
"We intend to increase and expand this partnership. It serves the common interest, and opens up great opportunities for the progress and welfare of the peoples of the Caspian countries."
He said that the five countries that with borders of the sea understand that the Caspian Basin is an important strategic region. The establishment of full cooperation among them corresponds with their long-term interests.
"The negotiation process is built on the basis of this common denominator. If one uses political terms, I would assess its character as constructive. Participants of the talks respect the opinion of each other, and understand the concerns expressed. Of course, there are differences in approaches. But they are not determining factors that may affect the general atmosphere of relations between our countries," the Turkmen president said.
Berdimuhammedov emphasized that Turkmenistan's position on the legal status of the Caspian Sea is "very balanced and responsible."
"We are committed to continuing collaboration with our partners in different formats in terms of a constructive dialogue, respect and equality."
Turkmenistan was the initiator of the first summit of Caspian countries, held in Ashgabat in the spring of 2002. The next summit will be held in Baku.