(MENAFN- Trend News Agency) BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 19.​ Officials from Caspian littoral states highlighted the importance of developing economic cooperation, enhancing transport infrastructure, and protecting the environment of the Caspian Sea during a forum held in Rasht, Iran, Trend reports, citing Iranian media.

At the conclusion of the two-day forum, held in Rasht in Gilan Province, the participating countries issued a joint statement emphasizing the need to strengthen economic collaboration in trade, agriculture, processing industries, mutual investment, and maritime tourism across their coastal regions.

The statement also underlined the significance of holding exhibitions, economic forums, and environmental conferences in the littoral areas, as well as promoting scientific and research collaboration between universities and research centers in the region.

Efforts to develop and modernize transport infrastructure across the Caspian littoral countries (Iran, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia) were praised, the statement added.

The officials stressed the importance of sustainable use of the Caspian Sea's resources, preventing illegal fishing, combating marine pollution, and investigating the causes of declining water levels in the sea.

The forum, which brought together representatives from the Caspian littoral states, was held on November 18-19 and aimed to foster regional cooperation in economic, scientific, and environmental spheres.

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