Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov.10
By Temkin Jafarov - Trend:
Some progress has been achieved in the negotiations between the countries of the Caspian Sea region on the legal status of the sea, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Asia and Pacific Affairs and Special Representative for Caspian Sea Affairs Ebrahim Rahimpour told Trend on Nov.10.
He is currently on a visit to Baku, Azerbaijan.
Rahimpour said the summit of the heads of Caspian Sea countries in Astrakhan was fruitful, adding that this was one of the most effective meetings held in recent times.
"Although, the positions of five littoral states on determining the status of the Caspian Sea are close enough, currently, a number of issues remain unresolved," he said.
The deputy minister added that Caspian Sea countries should unite and jointly resolve all the issues.
Rahimpour said that the Caspian Sea countries haven't reached any agreement yet on holding joint naval exercises.
"These countries have bilateral cooperation, but they do not have a five-party agreement on cooperation in the military sphere," Rahimpour said. "There has been signed a document in the sphere of security and it has been approved by these countries' parliaments.
But taking into account that the military sphere is of great significance, it requires time and negotiations to cooperate in this sphere, according to Iranian deputy minister.
Rahimpour also said that Caspian Sea countries may ensure their security by prohibiting the entry of other forces to the Caspian Sea waters which is also of great significance.
Edited by CN
