Russia welcomes Iran’s proposal to host 7th Caspian Summit in Tehran

Russia has expressed support for Iran’s proposal to hold the seventh summit of Caspian Sea states in Tehran on August 12, 2026, coinciding with International Caspian Sea Day.

The announcement was made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during a press conference following talks with his Kazakh counterpart, Ermek Kosherbayev, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

“We view Iran’s proposal to host the seventh Caspian summit in Tehran on August 12, 2026, positively. This date marks Caspian Sea Day,” Lavrov said.

He added that the ministers noted the growing demand for coordinated action in the Caspian region.

“The five Caspian states have unique authority in addressing matters concerning the Caspian Sea and bear responsibility for sustainable development in the region, as well as maintaining peace and security, as established in the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea,” Lavrov said.

On June 29, 2022, Ashgabat hosted the Sixth Caspian Summit at the Arkadag Hotel, chaired by Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The leaders of Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Russia—Presidents Ilham Aliyev, Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and Vladimir Putin—participated in the high-level meeting.

The Summit began with bilateral greetings and a joint photo session, followed by a narrow-format meeting of the five heads of state. President Berdimuhamedov highlighted two decades of Caspian cooperation, stressing that regional security, stability, and trust are key to successful collaboration.

The expanded-format session included detailed discussions on five-sided cooperation, economic development, and the implementation of previous agreements. Leaders shared proposals to strengthen economic ties and create a comprehensive legal and political framework for the Caspian region.

The Summit concluded with the adoption of a Communiqué and a media briefing by Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, emphasising a constructive and cooperative spirit, mutual trust, and the commitment to lasting peace and stability. An official reception hosted by President Berdimuhamedov followed, after which the delegations departed Ashgabat.

By Aghakazim Guliyev