BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 17. An international tourist route is expected to be established between the coastal countries of the Caspian Sea within the next three months, Acting Deputy for Maritime Affairs at the Ports and Maritime Organization Ali Akbar Marzban told reporters, Trend reports.
Marzban stated in an interview with local media that the international tourist route in the Caspian Sea was proposed by Russia. Under the proposal, a "Cruise" passenger ship will depart from Russia's Astrakhan port, passing through the ports of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan, before arriving at Iran's Anzali port.
The official noted that necessary preparations are currently underway for this plan.
The Anzali port is fully ready to receive Russia's 'Cruise' ship, and there are no obstacles from Iran’s side to accept such ships, Marzban pointed out.
In response to the European Council's sanctions against Iran's Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), Marzban added that these sanctions will not significantly impact Iran's shipping industry, as over 97 percent of Iran's maritime trade is with non-European countries.
To note, the European Council announced sanctions against Iran's IRISL Company and its CEO, Mohammad Reza Khiabani, on November 18, 2024.
The statement indicated that IRISL had been involved in transporting drones, missiles, military equipment, and related spare parts to Russia during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. These items were transported by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which is also under European Council sanctions.