The International Conference “The Caspian Sea: in the interest of developing international economic cooperation” opened in the Congress Center of the Avaza National tourism zone. President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov takes part in the conference meeting. The agenda of the Conference - the main event of the First Caspian Economic Forum (FCEE), initiated by the Turkmen leader, includes important issues related to enhancing the fruitful interaction of the littoral states and all interested foreign partners. Welcoming all those present, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov thanked everyone for the response to the invitation to participate in the First Caspian Economic Forum. The President noted that the conference brought together the heads of the governments of the Caspian littoral states and other countries, the envoys from dozens of countries, representing various spheres - politicians, diplomats, businessmen, environmentalists, scientists, journalists among others. “We are all like-minded people, united by the understanding of the importance of a multifaceted and systemic dialogue on the development of the Caspian region, determining the prospects for international cooperation in the Caspian Sea”, said the President of Turkmenistan. “The new meaning of such a partnership, based on modern views and criteria, is intended to lay a solid foundation for the future joint creative work”. In this regard, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed gratitude to all the Caspian countries for supporting Turkmenistan's initiative to hold the First Caspian Economic Forum, as well as for the active participation in the preparatory work. This initiative was the result of a deep analysis of modern processes of global and regional development, the place and role of the Caspian Sea as the most important geopolitical and geo-economic space. Today, the objective interests of not only littoral states but also other countries are concentrated there due to the fact that the Caspian region is a large natural source of hydrocarbon resources, a transport and transit hub of a continental scale, and a promising territory for expanding international trade.