Dear colleagues and guests! It is a great honor for the International scientific complex “Astana” to be one of the organizers of the conference today. First of all, I would like to thank the main organizers and co-organizers of the conference for bringing us together for this important event. I am pleased to present you the Concept of a long-term complex program of scientific and applied researches of sustainable development of the Kazakhstani sector of the Caspian sea and the coast within the Atyrau and Mangystau regions.

The long-term prospects for the development of the Caspian region mostly depend on geopolitical factors and the state of regional security. In this regard, it is important to pay attention to the fact that for many millennia the Caspian region has united ethnicities, civilizations and cultures. It is important to do everything possible to ensure that the tradition of dialogue continues to be a solid foundation for stable international relations in the region. The Caspian sea can and should become an example of more harmonious and fair relations between the countries in the XXI century.