Caspian countries coordinate draft agreement on cooperation in maritime security

The Caspian littoral countries are agreeing on a draft agreement on the cooperation in maritime security. Today, Baku hosts the fourth meeting of the deputy foreign ministers of the five Caspian littoral countries to agree to a draft agreement on security cooperation in the Caspian Sea.

"We will work on the remaining open questions during today's meeting," Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov said at the opening of the meeting.

He said the meetings of the deputy foreign ministers of the five Caspian littoral countries to agree to a draft agreement on security cooperation in the Caspian Sea are held in a constructive atmosphere, in conditions of mutual understanding and at the highest level.

In November 2003, the Caspian countries signed the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea.

In July 1998, Russia and Kazakhstan signed an agreement on the delimitation of the northern part of the Caspian Sea in order to exercise sovereign rights for subsoil use.

On Nov. 29, 2001 and Feb.27, 2003, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan signed an agreement on the delimitation of the Caspian Sea.

Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Russia signed an agreement on the delimitation of adjacent sections of the Caspian Sea on May 14, 2003.

Khalafov expressed confidence that the agreement would provide a good base for the littoral states in ensuring security in the Caspian Sea.

"We hope that we can submit a document on this issue for discussion at the summit of the heads of Caspian states to be held on Nov. 18 in Baku," he said.

According to Khalafov, Azerbaijan is preparing to organize the summit at the highest level.


/Trend/