Russia views Arctic as dialogue and partnership territory - Foreign Ministry
MOSCOW. Oct 13 (Interfax) - Russia stands for boosting multilateral cooperation in the Arctic.
"Russia has been invariably advocating a boost of multilateral cooperation in the Arctic and the resolution of pressing issues compliant to international law and through dialogue based on mutual respect and due account of interests of all Arctic nations," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in his greetings to the international Arctic conference organized by the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC).
"We want the Arctic to remain a territory of fruitful dialogue and partnership," the message said.
Lavrov stated the role of the Arctic Council, which was established 20 years ago, in the provision of sustainable development, peace and stability in the Arctic.
"We appreciate the role of the Arctic Council in the provision of sustainable development, peace and stability in the Arctic and in the promotion of higher living standards for the population of the Extreme North, including indigenous peoples," he said.
"We see the Arctic Council as the primary platform searching for optimal answers to common challenges and forming a positive agenda; its key role was confirmed in a joint statement the regional foreign ministers adopted in September of this year," Lavrov said.
