Speaking at the International Conference “The Caspian Sea: in the interest of developing international economic cooperation”, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov highlighted the special role of science in maintaining the ecological balance of the Caspian Sea, the unique biodiversity of the sea. “It means that all economic projects in the Caspian Sea basin should be carried out on the basis of high international environmental standards”, the Turkmen leader said. “We are going to create a new Caspian environmental programme as a set of environmental measures aimed at the conservation and efficient use of the rich natural resources of the Caspian Sea. “At the same time, this Programme could monitor the environmental situation in the Caspian Sea and give relevant recommendations to the governments of the littoral states. “Turkmenistan is ready to consider this issue with all interested partners. At the same time, we hope for the full support of the UN and, first of all, its specialized environmental institutions. “We strongly believe that ecology cannot become a hostage of economic and commercial benefits. This is a principled and responsible position that our country has consistently supported from the rostrum of the most respected international organizations and strictly followed, when developing national plans”, emphasized the Turkmen leader. In this regard, the President of Turkmenistan called for the establishment of effective channels of ‘green diplomacy’ for the Caspian Sea with participation of international agencies, environmental centers and the media. “Speaking about the future of the Caspian Sea, Turkmenistan considers it in the context of the future of the entire planet and correlates its work with the activities of the United Nations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals”, said President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. “We see the Caspian Sea, both in geographical and socio-economic terms, as one of the directions of the UN Strategy until 2030. Sustainability of the economy, energy security, environmental balance are the main framework of the common Caspian home”, emphasized the Turkmen leader.