The Caspian Sea littoral states are holding a further round of talks on “The Protocol on cooperation in ensuring safe navigation in the Caspian Sea” in the conference hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ashgabat. Among those attending the talks are representatives of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Iran, the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation. Discussion centered on the issues relating to tackling the important tasks set in the within-said Protocol such as the prevention of shipwreck, protection of life and health of ship crews and passengers, integrity control of transport facilities and cargo. In this context, the talks will consider the requirements imposed on equipment and facilities, relevant standards, and proficiency of ship crews. The parties will also discuss the organization of search and rescue operations in the Caspian Sea, ensuring of control in seaports, investigation of shipwreck, prevention of unsafe navigation conditions, including pollution of the marine environment, harmful effects of underwater cables, pipelines, drilling rigs, etc.