Geneva, 18 November 2025 – Major new infrastructure planned around the Caspian Sea will be legally required to meet transboundary environmental standards, as a new Protocol enters into force today under the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea – known as the Tehran Convention – hosted by the UN Environment Programme … [Read more...]
Ashgabat Hosts Meeting of the Working Group on Caspian Sea Issues
On 15 September 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan launched the eleventh session of the High-Level Working Group (HLWG) on Caspian Sea issues. Delegations from Turkmenistan (headed by M.G. Atajanov), the Republic of Azerbaijan (headed by S.A. Sharifov), the Islamic Republic of Iran (headed by K.G. Abadi), the Republic of Kazakhstan (headed by Z.A. … [Read more...]
Turkmen Scientists Patent Technology for Extracting Iodine from Caspian Seaweed
A new technology for obtaining iodine and polysaccharides from brown and blue-green algae of the Caspian Sea has been registered in Turkmenistan. The intellectual property rights for this development have been officially registered by the State Service of Intellectual Property under the Ministry of Finance and Economy of the country. This was reported by the online newspaper … [Read more...]
The Caspian logistics axis – a new artery for trade
Access to maritime transport routes plays a key role in the development of international trade and the maintenance of foreign economic activity. Over the past decades, the global agenda has consistently included the issue of how to overcome trade, transport, and infrastructure barriers faced by landlocked developing countries (LDCs). The lack of direct access to ports forces … [Read more...]
The Caspian transport hub: from competition to cooperation – The Middle Corridor – a driver of Eurasian integration
For countries located deep within the Eurasian continent, access to the sea remains a key factor in competitiveness on international markets. Uzbekistan, located in the geographical center of the region and lacking direct access to the coast, has been purposefully restructuring its transport and logistics strategy in recent years to minimize distances to maritime hubs and … [Read more...]
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Strengthen Transport Links: From Sea to Sky
In recent years, transport cooperation among Central Asian countries has been gaining momentum, fostering stronger economic ties and optimizing logistical routes. Against this backdrop, the recent agreements between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, reached during the trilateral summit of the heads of state of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan in Turkmenistan’s “Awaza” … [Read more...]
Caspian Sea – Sea of Friendship and Peace: Conference in Awaza
On 11–12 August 2025, festive events dedicated to International Caspian Sea Day were held in Turkmenistan’s National Tourist Zone “Awaza.” The highlight was the scientific-practical conference titled “Caspian Sea – Sea of Friendship and Peace,” moderated by Myrat Atadjanov, Director of the Institute of the Caspian Sea. The conference brought together representatives of Caspian … [Read more...]
Politics, Economy, and the Caspian: Outcomes of the Meeting Between the Foreign Ministers of Turkmenistan and Russia
On 25 June 2025, a meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov, took place to discuss key areas of cooperation across political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. The ministers underscored the value of maintaining a regular and … [Read more...]
A New Island in the Caspian Sea Could Become a Haven for Birds and Seals
Near the Volga Delta in the northern part of the Caspian Sea, a phenomenon has captured the attention of scientists and ecologists: a new island has formed 30 kilometers southwest of Maly Zhemchuzhny Island in the Russian sector of the sea. This discovery was made during a joint expedition by the P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), … [Read more...]
Iran advocates for initiatives to strengthen regional peace, says President Pezeshkian
Iran advocates for any efforts aimed at promoting peace and tranquility, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said during a telephone conversation with National Leader of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on Saturday (April 26). President Peseshkian said that the upcoming joint economic commission in Tehran will facilitate the implementation of bilateral agreements and … [Read more...]
NASA satellites shows a “ghost” island in the Caspian Sea
NASA satellite images have shown how an island appeared on the surface of the Caspian Sea after the eruption of a mud volcano in early 2023. By the end of 2024, it had almost completely collapsed, disappearing from sight like a ghost, according to NASA Earth Observatory. Powerful eruptions of the Kumani mud volcano have led to the formation of such temporary islands several … [Read more...]
What cross-border hubs is Kazakhstan developing?
Kazakhstan is actively developing cross-border hubs to enhance its position as a regional transport and logistics center in Central Asia and the Caspian region. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has instructed the government to establish fully-fledged transport and logistics hubs along Kazakhstan's borders with China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Russia, as well as on the … [Read more...]
Caspian Littoral Countries Unite to Address Sea Level Decline
At the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), officials of the Caspian littoral countries met at the national pavilion of Azerbaijan to discuss the problem of Caspian Sea's declining water level in the context of climate change. The meeting, organized by Azerbaijan's Ministry of Ecology and Natural … [Read more...]
Climate challenges of the Caspian Sea discussed at the European Institute for Asian Studies
The European Institute of Asian Studies hosted an event dedicated to the current climate challenges facing the Caspian Sea. Representatives of diplomatic missions, international organizations, mass media and analytical centers took part in the discussion. Among the speakers were Ambassador of Turkmenistan Sapar Palvanov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan Vagif Sadigov, CEO of the … [Read more...]
Decrease in water level of Caspian is more problematic for Kazakhstan and Russia
nCa Report The level of the Caspian Sea has been decreasing and it is a common problem for all of the littoral states. There are joint efforts to reverse the phenomenon. The shallowing of the sea is more obvious in the sectors of Kazakhstan and Russia. According to a report by Turan.az, published on 5 March 2024, since 2005, the level of the Caspian Sea has been … [Read more...]
Tehran Convention: A Cornerstone for Caspian Cooperation
Since its entry into force in 2007, the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea (Tehran Convention) has been celebrated annually on August 12 as Caspian Day. This observance unites the millions of residents across the five littoral states who share a deep connection through environmental, economic activities, energy, fisheries, and … [Read more...]
Khazar: protection of natural systems and bioresources
Elena Dolgova Environmental partnership in the Caspian region is defined by the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea (Tehran), and the main issues of protection of biological resources are regulated by the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. Turkmenistan was among the first nations to join this convention in June 1996. The … [Read more...]
Caspian Sea is a region of great opportunities and true neighborliness
Allaberdy Niyazov, Senior Researcher at the Scientific Center for Strategic Studies at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Almost six years ago, the heads of the five Caspian littoral states (Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Russia) signed the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea in Aktau, … [Read more...]
Iran anticipates Turkmen Sulfur Transit via New Caspian Railway
Iranian authorities have announced plans to commence the transit of sulfur from Turkmenistan via the recently inaugurated Rasht-Caspian Port railway. This new route, operational since 20 June, signifies a significant step forward in regional connectivity. The 37-kilometer Rasht-Caspian railway connects the city of Rasht to the Caspian Sea port of Caspian in Enzeli. This … [Read more...]
Trilateral working group Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan on improving connectivity in the Caspian Sea convened in Baku
On 10 May 2024 the first meeting of the trilateral working group on optimization of connectivity in the Caspian Sea was held at the Headquarters of the Permanent Secretariat of Interstate Committee TRACECA in Baku, Azerbaijan in a hybrid format. During the meeting, representatives of the Parties involved (Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan) discussed in detail the … [Read more...]
7th meeting of the High-level Working Group on the Caspian Sea convened in Baku
On May 6-7, 2024, the 7th meeting of the High-level Working Group on the Caspian Sea was held in Baku, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reports. The negotiations were attended by Azerbaijan (head of delegation - S. Sharifov), Iran (head of delegation - A. Jahangiri), Kazakhstan (Head of delegation - Z. Amandzholova), Russia (head of delegation – M. Petrakov) and Turkmenistan … [Read more...]
Signs of Recovery: Northern Caspian Sea Sees Rising Water Levels
Positive developments are emerging from the Caspian Sea, particularly in the northern region bordering Kazakhstan. Blogger Azamat Sarsenbayev from Aktau, reports a potential reversal in the water level decline. "The tide seems to be turning for the Caspian Sea," Sarsenbayev writes on social media. "Just a year ago, the receding water exposed the shoreline by tens of … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan Diverted 1 bln cu m of Floodwaters to Replenish Caspian Sea
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation redirected nearly 1 billion cubic meters of floodwater to the Caspian Sea. The water was channeled through four waterways: Baksai, Naryn, Chernaya Rechka, and Sokolok. These channels have a combined daily capacity of 12 million cubic meters, according to the ministry. Prior to the diversion, each channel underwent … [Read more...]
Foreign office of Turkmenistan will host roundtable on Caspian environmental issues this month
The DPM and foreign minister of Turkmenistan reported during a cabinet meeting on 12 April 2024 that the foreign office will host a roundtable on the Caspian environmental issues in the second half of this month. It would be the first step toward the implementation of the initiative of the president of Turkmenistan for the Caspian Environmental Initiative, voiced at the 78th … [Read more...]
Kazakhstan has 78 billion tons of oil reserves. Caspian explorations may push it to 1 Trillion tons.
The estimated reserves of domestic oil of Kazakhstan amount to 78 billion tons. This information was provided by the Chairman of the Geology Committee of the Ministry of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan, Erlan Akbarov, while answering a question by the news service Kazinform. He said that currently, the country has oil reserves equal to 4 billion 400 million tons. Of … [Read more...]
Caspian sea cooperation takes center stage in talks between Turkmen and Iranian FMs
On Thursday, 28 March 2024, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov hosted his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amirabdollahian, in Ashgabat. The meeting encompassed a wide range of topics related to Iran-Turkmenistan relations, including regional and international developments, expanding cooperation in energy, transit, transport, and water resource management, Caspian … [Read more...]
Turkmen River and Maritime Agency Lauded for Emergency Preparedness in Caspian Sea
The Agency of Maritime and River Transport of Turkmenistan (Turkmendenizderyayollary) received a Certificate of Honor from the Balkan province administration for its exemplary performance in emergency preparedness exercises held in the Caspian Sea. These large-scale training exercises, conducted throughout 2023 in three stages, aimed to simulate and refine the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan’s Maritime Transportation surpassed 2 Million ton of cargo in 2023
Turkmenistan's Closed-type Joint-Stock Company "Maritime Merchant Fleet" achieved remarkable indicators in 2023 as their vessels had transported over 2 million tons of cargo. The transported cargo included petroleum products, building materials, fertilizers, grain, containers, bulk cargo, and transit goods. During 2023, bulk carriers and ferries delivered about 4,000 … [Read more...]
Caspian Littoral Countries Strengthen Legal Framework for Protecting the Sea
Caspian Sea pollution from land-based sources is being addressed through a strengthened legal framework. The second Protocol to the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea (Tehran Convention), entered into force, says Gozel Orazdurdieva, a liaison officer with the Secretariat of the Tehran Convention in her article, published in the Neutral … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Urges Focus on Caspian Sea Level Decline and Energy Cooperation
The delegation headed by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov took part in the meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Caspian states held in Moscow on 5 December 2023. In his address, Meredov identified the receding Caspian Sea level as the most pressing issue requiring immediate attention and a comprehensive … [Read more...]
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and UNEP Executive Director discussed Turkmenistan’s international climate initiatives
On 1 December 2023, in Dubai, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with Ms.Inger Andersen, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UNEP, on the sidelines of the COP28 Conference, TDH reports. The sides expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to discuss topical issues of cooperation in the environmental field. At the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Participated in Caspian Emergency Response Exercises – POLREP Exercise Tests Regional Communication and Cooperation
On 14 November 2023, Turkmenistan agency of marine and river transport (Turkmendenizderyayollary) participated in the fifth online exercise “Caspian Sea ALPHA/BRAVO” on emergency response. The exercise was organized by the Interim Secretariat of the Tehran Convention (TC) with the participation of the National Authorities of the Caspian countries within the framework of the … [Read more...]
Iran to host 3rd Caspian Economic Forum in mid-November
Iran will host the third Caspian Economic Forum with the participation of the prime ministers of the Caspian Sea littoral states in mid-November, IRNA reports. The agenda of the Third Caspian Economic Forum will cover cooperation in such areas as transport, joint ventures, oil and gas, finance, banking, as well as technical cooperation in Iran in mid-November. Iran’s … [Read more...]
Another fishing spot, another group of volunteer guard Alabay Turkmen sheepdog
Raviliya Kadyrova and Tamir Shakirov This time we had the pleasure of the company of volunteer guards Alabay Turkmen sheepdogs at a fishing point at the Caspian beach of Turkmenistan. True to their nature, the Alabay there were friendly and vigilant. This breed never ceases to amaze us. The Alabay are protective against human intruders; they are very territorial, safe … [Read more...]
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company acquires 30% stake in Caspian field of Azerbaijan
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is at the threshold of acquiring 30% equity stake in the Absheron gas and condensate field in the Caspian Sea. The agreement will be signed with SOCAR and TotalEnergies, who hold 50/50 shares in the field. Both of them will shed 15% each for acquisition by ADNOC. The total value of the deal has not been made public yet. After this … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan attaches great importance to the conservation of Caspian biodiversity
On 21-30 June, 2023, the 32nd session of the UNESCO Assembly of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) was held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, and on the eve of the Assembly on 20 June 2023, the 56th session of the IOC Executive Council took place, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in France reports. The events was attended by a delegation of Turkmenistan … [Read more...]
Mother Nature is the greatest of artists – Caspian beach of Turkmenistan is its canvas
Elvira Kadyrova Mother Nature is the greatest of artists, the ultimate inspiration of all things creative. The whole world is its canvas is its canvas. The Caspian beach of Turkmenistan including the Awaza national tourist zone is an attractive part of this canvas. Here are some of the masterpieces of Mother Nature we captured recently at the Caspian beach of … [Read more...]
Caspian countries discuss preparations for the foreign ministers’ meeting
On 18 August, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov hosted a meeting in Moscow with the ambassadors of Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan dedicated to the International Day of the Caspian Sea, the Russian Foreign Ministry says. An interested exchange of views took place on a wide range of issues of multifaceted cooperation in the Caspian region. Further steps … [Read more...]
Children in Turkmenistan Benefit from Rehabilitative Vacation on Caspian Sea
Children from different regions of Turkmenistan who underwent surgical operations had the opportunity to get a rehabilitation rest in the Avaza tourist zone on the Caspian Sea coast. Surgeries were performed on children in the country's clinics at the expense of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, according … [Read more...]
Glittering waters, serene sky, enchanting beaches of Awaza say Happy Women’s Day to All
Elvira Kadyrova, Raviliya Kadyrova, Ramilya Delmuhametova Awaza is more than just a tourist zone at the Caspian beaches of Turkmenistan. It is a dear friend, a wonderful friend. Its glittering waters, serene sky, and enchanting beaches are always there like a trusted friend. Awaza never fails us. When we just need the company of a friend without the obligation to carry a … [Read more...]
Global Multi-Energy Company TotalEnergies starts production in the Caspian gas field in Azerbaijan
TotalEnergies, global multi-energy company, and its partner SOCAR (State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan) announce the start of production of the first phase of development of the Absheron gas and condensate field in the Caspian Sea, TotalEnergies said in a press release. This first phase connects a subsea production well to a new gas processing platform, itself … [Read more...]
International experts discuss the state of the Caspian seal population
Recently, an international webinar "The state of the Caspian seal population in the present and future" was held in a hybrid format. The event was attended by representatives of research centers and experts on biodiversity of five countries of the Caspian region, including Turkmenistan, the newspaper "Neutral Turkmenistan" reports. During the webinar, the results of … [Read more...]
New Cruise Ship for Caspian Sea Tourism to be Launched in 2024
The development of cruise tourism in the Caspian Sea will reach a new level with the launch of the Peter the Great liner, which is currently being completed in Astrakhan, Russia, and will be tested on rivers and sea spaces until the end of the year. The vessel will be put into operation in 2024 for the tourist season, according to the administration of the Astrakhan region. … [Read more...]
The titans of the global oil and gas industry continue to exploit the hydrocarbon riches of the Caspian Sea
BP has started drilling two new deep exploration wells in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea. One of the wells will reach a depth of 7000 meters in order to open gas layers located below the deposits of the existing Shah Deniz gas field, which currently provides the bulk of gas exports from Azerbaijan. BP press releases: … [Read more...]
The Fate of the Caspian – Is the Fate of Aral Lake waiting for the Caspian Sea?
Prof. Dr. Abdulvahap Kara Experts warn of the possibility of a new ecological disaster on the Caspian Sea in recent years, similar to the drying up of the Aral Sea. One of the important reasons for this is that the water of the Ural River is decreasing from year to year. The Ural River reaches the Caspian via the Russian Federation and Kazakhstan. Originating from the … [Read more...]
One of the oldest transport and logistics Russian companies is ready to take part in setting a freight service with Turkmen ports
The Russian transport and logistics company Sovfracht has recently confirmed its readiness to participate in the organization of regular sea transportation between the ports of Turkmenistan and Russia on the Caspian Sea. For this purpose, the company has all the necessary resources and competencies to act both as a carrier and as an operator of shipping lines. This was … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan Strengthens Border Security with New Complex on Caspian Sea Coast
On Tuesday, 15 August, a new complex of buildings and facilities of the State Border Service was opened on the coast of the Caspian Sea in Turkmenistan, the TDH agency reports. The base is equipped with the latest technical equipment and technologies, a digital system, electronic maps, which allow to track the navigation of passenger and military vessels in the Caspian Sea, … [Read more...]
Future Turkmen Logistics Center in Astrakhan will encourage cargo traffic between Central Asia and Russia
The appearance of the logistics center of Turkmenistan in the Astrakhan special economic zone "Lotos" will be an important incentive for the development of cargo transportation from Central Asia to Russia and back, will allow connecting other countries that do not have direct access to the Caspian Sea to the international transport corridor "North-South", commented Sergey … [Read more...]
Why is Russia interested in forging marine connectivity with Turkmenistan?
The creation of shipping lines between Astrakhan ports and the port of Turkmenbashi has been the subject of recent negotiations in Astrakhan with the participation of representatives of Rosmorrechflot (Russian marine and river fleet), the government of the Astrakhan region, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, representatives of the Astrakhan special economic zone "Lotos" … [Read more...]
Caspian Sea is shrinking fast. Littoral countries are trying to find a solution but it is a global responsibility.
nCa Commentary “ . . by 2100, water levels in the Caspian Sea could drop by another 8 to 30 meters (26 to 98 feet).” This is an alarming quote from a research paper titled, “The fate of the Caspian Sea under projected climate change and water extraction during the 21st century.” It was authored by Sifan A Koriche, Joy S Singarayer, and Hannah L Cloke, and published by … [Read more...]