MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Japan is willing to make its data on the thickness of Arctic ice available for free to aid sea route planning in the region, Japan's Special Ambassador for Arctic Affairs Kazuko Shiraishi said Monday.
"Japan will provide, free of charge, new data on sea ice thickness," Shiraishi stated at a press conference in Moscow.
Japan released its first comprehensive Arctic policy in October. The document seeks to contribute to maximizing the economic potential of the Northern Sea Route, which runs mainly along Russia's Arctic coast. The policy also seeks to promote peaceful international cooperation in the region, boost security and assess the impact of environmental change on the region's ecosystems.
According to the Japanese Foreign Ministry, Tokyo views the melting of Arctic ice over recent years as an opportunity to develop Arctic Ocean routes and utilize the region's natural resources.
Russia is a member of the Arctic Council, which coordinates the activities of the eight Arctic states, which also include Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the United States. Currently, Japan holds observer status in the organization.
