BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 13. Russia has
expressed support for closer cooperation among the five Caspian
states and initiatives put forward by Turkmenistan to strengthen
regional environmental cooperation.


This was reflected in a statement released by the press service
of the Turkmen Government, citing Russian Embassy
Counsellor-Minister Pyotr Shchukin's remarks at a scientific and
practical conference on the protection of the Caspian Sea
ecosystem, held in Avaza.


Shchukin called for greater use of the scientific and technical
potential of the five Caspian littoral states and more active work
through existing regional mechanisms.


“Active joint efforts of the five countries and close
cooperation among our experts are necessary, including within the
relevant five-party groups,” he said.


According to the report, the Russian diplomat highlighted the
role of existing regional structures, including the Caspian Sea
Hydrometeorology Committee, in addressing the effects of climate
change.


Furthermore, Shchukin stated that Russia attaches importance to
the Caspian environmental summit initiated by the Turkmen side,
which is scheduled to take place in October in Avaza.







“We expect that the decisions to be adopted at the Caspian
environmental summit initiated by the Turkmen side will provide an
important impetus to this work,” he said.


The Russian diplomat added that Moscow is ready to support
constructive initiatives by the Caspian littoral states.


The push for closer Caspian cooperation comes as changes in the
sea's physical conditions are increasingly affecting economic
infrastructure around its coastline. Research published in
Communications Earth & Environment indicates that continued
declines in the Caspian's water level could significantly affect
ports, shipping and industrial facilities. Under a 10-meter decline
scenario, the study estimates that several major ports, including
Turkmenistan's Turkmenbashi, could become significantly farther
from the shoreline, while offshore oil and gas infrastructure could
also face growing logistical challenges.


The economic dimension has already become part of regional
environmental cooperation. The Protocol on Environmental Impact
Assessment in a Transboundary Context under the Tehran Convention
entered into force in November 2025, creating a framework for
assessing the potential cross-border effects of major projects
before they are implemented. The rules cover activities including
pipelines, oil refineries and offshore operations, meaning that
environmental coordination can directly intersect with energy and
transport investment across the Caspian.


Against this background, the emphasis on joint scientific work,
monitoring and information exchange has practical implications for
the region's infrastructure planning. For Turkmenistan, whose
Caspian coast includes the Turkmenbashi port complex, better
regional data and coordination could help coastal states assess how
changing sea conditions may affect maritime transport and other
economic activities. This makes Ashgabat's push for closer
cooperation relevant not only to environmental policy but also to
the long-term operation and planning of Caspian infrastructure.