China Ready to Contribute to Ensuring Security in Arctic Region

China is ready to cooperate with Arctic Council members to guarantee the security and development of the Arctic region, Chinese Ambassador to Russia Li Hui said Wednesday.

ARKHANGELSK (Sputnik) — The international conference on the security and development of the Arctic region kicked off in the northern Russian city of Arkhangelsk on Wednesday. Delegations of more than 11 countries, along with foreign scientists and researchers, are participating in the conference.

"We are at the initial stage of participation [in operations] in the Arctic region. But we are ready to work with other member states of the Arctic Council to take part in ensuring the security and sustainable development of the Arctic region," Li said on the sidelines of the fifth annual meeting of Arctic Council members.

Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that keeping a balance between developing the resources of the Arctic region and conserving its fragile ecosystem was a key priority for Russia.

The Arctic Council is an intergovernmental forum for promoting cooperation, coordination and interaction among the governments of the Arctic countries. The forum comprises eight Arctic nations, namely Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States.