We believe that continued peace, stability and security in the Caspian region will be ensured when the littoral states, while respecting each other's sovereignty and legitimate interests, prevent the transformation of this strategic region into an arena of destructive competition and the presence and intervention of extra-regional powers.
For this matter, any military ground attack on coastal facilities, ports, ships, fuel tanks, industrial facilities and infrastructure related to the sea, such as the ground attack at Anzali port during the war of aggression by the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and a militant armed ground attack by Ukraine against an Iranian merchant ship, in peace and security.
Endangering an area, it has potential transboundary environmental consequences and must be immediately and vigorously condemned by all coastal states and the aggressor or aggressors must be held accountable. The entry of fuel and pollutants into the marine environment, damage to coastal habitats, pollution of sediments and water as well as damage to biological diversity, are the effects that can be felt far beyond the accident site in a special sea like the Caspian Sea. For this reason, the Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes the importance of preserving the peaceful nature of the Caspian Sea and the necessity of protecting the Caspian environment under conditions of militant armed conflict.
excellence;
Today we need environmental diplomacy more than ever. Caspian can be a successful example of the fact that even in the presence of political and geopolitical differences, countries can cooperate on a common interest. Although we may have different opinions on many issues; But there is no doubt about one fact: none of the coastal countries can save the Caspian Sea alone. This sea water and its pollution; Climate change in the region and the effects of lowering the water level know no political borders. Therefore, the Islamic Republic of Iran, while welcoming the decision of this summit to establish a high-level committee consisting of the vice-presidents of the coastal countries, proposes to develop a long-term regional plan to deal with the reduction of the Caspian water level to be developed and implemented within the framework of the Tehran Convention. This plan should have at least seven basic axes: first, scientific and joint monitoring of the factors affecting the reduction of the water level and the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive regional plan to deal with the reduction of the water level in the Caspian Sea; Second, strengthening joint mechanisms to deal with sea pollution and protecting biological diversity; Third, improving the status of the Tehran Convention and strengthening its implementation mechanisms; fourth, adapting the beach and port infrastructures to future changes; fifth, protection and restoration of wetlands, habitats and ecologically sensitive areas; Sixth, support for local communities, fishing and the livelihood of millions of people who depend on the Caspian Island; And seventh, providing financial and technological resources to implement adaptation measures and protect the environment.
ladies and gentlemen; Today, we have a historical choice, or we can simply see the lowering of the Caspian water level as a natural and inevitable process and wait for its consequences; Or by relying on science, regional cooperation and political will, we work to reduce damage and increase the resilience of this unique ecosystem. The choice in the Islamic Republic of Iran is cooperation; Our choice is science; Our choice is to protect the Caspian Sea; And our choice is to pass on this common heritage to future generations. Let's make the Caspian Sea a new symbol of regional cooperation; A sea that is a bridge between our nations instead of a border.
Let's prove to future generations that when we were faced with a common crisis, we as the countries of the Caspian coast stood side by side and cooperated to save it.
The Caspian Sea is not a sea; It is a common heritage; And the protection of this heritage is a shared and historical responsibility for all of us.
Thank you for your attention.
Peace be upon you, God's mercy and blessings