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Azerbaijani Deputy FM: Caspian issues should be resolved by dialog

These are issues of security at the Caspian Sea, the disintegration of the bottom, the use of water surface, mineral and biological resources, and the environment

BAKU, September 11 (Itar-Tass) - All Caspian issues, including the Caspian Sea status, should be resolved through cooperation and dialogue between the coastal countries, Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov said.

Opening the 33rd session of the working group for the Caspian Sea legal status on Wednesday, Khalafov said the five coastal states (Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan) should resolve key issues.

“These are issues of security at the Caspian Sea, the disintegration of the bottom, the use of water surface, mineral and biological resources, and the environment of the Caspian Sea,” the Azerbaijani deputy foreign minister said.

The soonest adoption of a draft agreement on the use of biological resources “is the priority issue for the coastal states”, Khalafov said, adding that the region’s countries should ratify a document on security at the Caspian Sea as soon as possible.

The agreement was signed at the Caspian summit in Baku three years ago, he said.

“The coastal states have improved cooperation and mutual understanding will allow them to solve all problems in the spirit of friendship and cooperation,” Khalafov said.

The session is mainly being held behind closed doors. Russia is represented by presidential special envoy for the state border delimitation Igor Bratchikov.

Terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall

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