Turkmenistan to Host Next Caspian States’ Leaders, Ministers Summit

Turkmenistan has proposed stepping up efforts to organize the next meeting of foreign ministers and a summit of heads of state of the Caspian littoral countries, aiming to strengthen regional dialogue on ecological and environmental issues in the Caspian Sea region, Deputy Chairman of Turkmenistan’s Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov reported during an online Cabinet meeting on Friday. According to Turkmenistan's state news agency, Meredov highlighted regional efforts focused on ecological challenges in Central Asia, including the environmental protection of the Caspian Sea. He noted the Turkmenistan’s continued commitment to advancing environmental security in the region, and emphasized the importance of collaboration among the Caspian littoral states. He also pointed to the ongoing work on the Caspian Environmental Initiative Concept, developed under the proposal and with the support of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The document has been shared with other Caspian states for review and further coordination. Regarding the Aral Sea, Meredov stressed that Turkmenistan remains the only country in the region to have adopted a National Program for the Aral Sea for 2021–2025. To assess the program’s progress and begin drafting a new version for 2026–2030, an interagency environmental meeting is scheduled for June 27 in Ashgabat. It was also noted that Turkmenistan chaired the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea from 2017 to 2019. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized Turkmenistan’s strong commitment to international environmental goals and ecological well-being. Approving proposals to expand cooperation with global organizations in this field, he instructed the deputy prime minister and foreign minister to carry out the necessary work. The Cabinet also discussed a number of other key domestic issues and adopted related decisions.