Dear Ministers, Ambassadors, Distinguished Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a true honor and privilege to address you today on the occasion of the Caspian Sea Day, under the fitting theme: “The Caspian Sea – Sea of Friendship and Peace.” I extend heartfelt thanks for the kind invitation to join this important conference and to contribute to a dialogue that is vital not only for the littoral states but for our shared future.

The Caspian Sea is indeed a unique and precious body of water, rich in biodiversity, culture, and economic potential. But its fragile ecosystem is under increasing threat from pollution, habitat degradation, and climate change. Recent scientific studies, including notable research published this year, have highlighted alarming changes in the Caspian’s marine environment — from rising salinity levels affecting aquatic life, to increasing pollutant loads threatening the health of fish stocks and coastal communities. For example, the decline of the Caspian seal population due to habitat degradation and pollution is an alarming indicator of the environmental pressures the sea faces, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive protective measures. These findings are a clarion call for all of us to redouble our efforts to protect and restore the Caspian ecosystem.

The European Union remains firmly committed to this cause in practice -through our ongoing initiatives.

I am very proud to recall in this regard the BCSEA II project implemented by the European Maritime Safety Agency—Strengthening Environmental Resilience and Maritime Safety for Black and Caspian Sea Riparian States—within which our cooperation with Turkmenistan and other littoral countries promotes best practices in marine pollution control, enhanced vessel traffic monitoring, and maritime safety standards. 

Collaboration remains key pillar in our joint endeavor to safeguard the Caspian’s environment for future generations. That is why we would like to encourage all Caspian littoral states to consider adopting the International Maritime Organization’s Net-Zero Framework to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping and maritime activities. Developing guidelines and implementing rules aligned with this Framework will be an essential step toward curbing the maritime carbon footprint in the Caspian region, reflecting global efforts under the IMO and the Paris Agreement.

Dear participants,

Let me recall the title of today’s conference – “The Caspian Sea – Sea of Friendship and Peace”…

… and to state in this regard that equally important is the principle that the Caspian Sea must be used exclusively for peaceful purposes. The EU firmly advocates that the sea should never be a theater for military purposes — no deployment of ballistic missiles, no hostile actions of any kind, nor illegal transport of offensive arms and weapons. The Caspian Sea’s peaceful character is essential to maintaining regional stability and fostering cooperation between the five littoral states and far beyond. We appreciate initiatives of neutral Turkmenistan in this regard.

In this spirit of cooperation and peace, I wish to highlight the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative on Transport Connectivity, specifically the ambitious Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. This corridor is a shining example of how shared infrastructure can become a bridge of prosperity, linking Europe and Central Asia in a fast, efficient, and sustainable manner. Supported by significant EU funding and coordinated efforts from regional partners, this project will facilitate trade, connectivity, and economic development, while respecting environmental and social standards.

The establishment of a Coordination Platform, which took place in Turkmenistan last year, along with Regional Prosperity Programs, exemplify our holistic approach — one that ensures these projects not only enhance physical infrastructure, but also support institutional capacity and policy coherence. We are now implementing this initiative further - in practice and through investments, and soon we will discuss it at the highest levels - in Brussels in October during the Global Gateway Summit, and then in Tashkent in November during the EU-CA Economic Forum and the Trans-Caspian Corridor Investors Forum. 

Dear friends,

In closing, let me reiterate that the Caspian Sea holds tremendous promise — as a sea of friendship, a sea of peace, and a sea of shared prosperity. The European Union looks forward to continuing its partnership with Turkmenistan and all Caspian neighbors to secure a resilient, sustainable, and peaceful future for this unique region.

Thank you for your attention. I wish you all a fruitful and inspiring conference. May we together ensure that generations to come will enjoy the peace, beauty, and richness the Caspian Sea so rightly deserves.

Thank you.

12 August 2025