Attending the tenth meeting of BRICS environment ministers, Ali Salajeqeh, head of the Department of Environment (DOE), highlighted the intergovernmental organization’s potential to expand cooperation and develop multilateralism for environmental protection.

According to The Iran Project, the meeting was held under the Chairship of the Russian Federation on June 28, in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.

“Environmental protection is a top priority in Iran’s strategic policies and development plans,” IRIB quoted Salajeqeh as saying.

“However, the neighboring countries’ neglect in addressing the pollution of water resources in the upstream basins and their failure to fulfill bilateral obligations, including the provision of environmental rights has had negative impacts on the ecosystem, and the lives of plant and animal species.

It has also intensified sand and dust storms and other natural phenomena,” he added.

The official went on to stress that unilateral, unjust, and illegitimate sanctions against Iran have resulted in environmental degradation and hampered sustainable development.

Emphasizing the common destiny of all countries in preserving the environment, Salajeqeh expressed hope that regardless of political issues, all nations could cooperate and utilize each other's capacities,  knowledge, technology, and financial resources to make a healthy, pollution-free environment for the next generation.

Moreover, on the sidelines of the 10th meeting,  Salajeqeh held a meeting with Russia’s Minister of Natural Resources and  Environment, Alexander Kozlov.
During the meeting, Salajeqeh pointed out that the relationship between Iran and Russia is at a high level.

The two countries have common positions that help to enhance cooperation and strengthen relations and use the capacity to overcome obstacles posed by sanctions, he stated.

Pointing out that the number of the Caspian seal species is declining, he said, unfortunately, the number of carcasses of this species has increased along the coasts of Iran. “Since Caspian seal is the only mammal species in the Sea, we must take immediate actions to protect this valuable species.”

Kozlov, for his part, said: “We have first-class information in this regard, which can be helpful,” he added.

Salajeqeh also extended an invitation to Kozlov to participate in the 7th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea, known as the Tehran Convention.