The Caspian region is becoming a new growth point for the partnership economy, and the work of a platform such as the Caspian Forum shows that the concept of multilateral mutually beneficial cooperation between different countries is possible even if they have disagreements on certain issues. applicable. This opinion was shared with socialbites.ca by Alexander Asafov, a political scientist, a member of the Public Council of the Russian Federation, political observer of the Govorit Moskva radio station.
The expert reminded that 20 years ago, Russia strengthened its position in the Caspian region. On April 23, 2002, the first Caspian summit, attended by the heads of state of Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Iran, was held in Ashgabat. The subject of the meeting was the resolution of the legal status of the Caspian Sea and the issue of interaction between the countries of the Caspian region. The following year, Russia secured its rights to 19% of the Caspian.
Aleksandr Asafov states that the first Caspian summit is the basis for the formation of a new power center in the Caspian region in the international arena.
The expert states that in June 2022, the Caspian Forum has become a platform that brings countries together in the face of common challenges. Russian President Vladimir Putin, together with the leaders of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Iran, evaluated the possibilities of joint cooperation and combating threats such as international terrorism, organized crime and drug trafficking.
Vladimir Putin invited countries to unite in the face of common challenges for the sake of a prosperous future without interfering in the internal affairs of states. He noted that it is better for everyone to focus on what countries can benefit each other: this is the implementation of major transport and infrastructure projects, cooperation in the fields of energy, tourism, strengthening cultural, educational, sports and youth ties between peoples. regions.
Asafov points out that there have been skeptical views that earlier attempts to talk about multipolarity and alternative centers of influence and cooperation to Western projects are insignificant.
Now platforms such as the Union of Five States: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS), Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) have gained a new impetus for development and are an example. mutually beneficial activities to achieve multilateral benefit. The expert believes that this also applies to the Caspian Forum.
“The Caspian region has long claimed its place. Asafov believes that the cooperation strategy of the “Caspian Five” supported by the President of Russia is feasible and promising.