Russia needs to decide which foreign countries, on what conditions can be allowed to work together with it in Arctic - Putin's aide

MURMANSK. March 26 (Interfax) - Foreign countries are ready to get involved in joint projects with Russia in the development of its Arctic region, but it needs to be determined which countries and on what conditions can be allowed there, Russian presidential aide and Russian Maritime Board Chairman Nikolai Patrushev said at joint meeting of the Russian State Council's commissions addressing a comprehensive approach toward the Arctic's development and the forming of a national project titled The Arctic and the Northern Sea Route, as part of the 6th Arctic: Territory of Dialogue International Arctic Forum on Wednesday.

"At present, foreign counties are ready to and will get involved [in joint projects]. We need to think which of them to allow there and on what conditions. It is our task," he said.

Non-Arctic states have also showed interest in working in the Arctic region, Patrushev said.