"Russia has consistently advocated the strengthening of multilateral cooperation in the Arctic, the solution of its topical issues on the basis of international law through mutually respectful dialogue, taking into account the interests of all of the Arctic states," the foreign minister’s statement, read out at the the International Cooperation in the Arctic: New Challenges and Vectors of Development conference, said.
Moscow appreciates the contribution of the Arctic Council in ensuring sustainable development, peace and stability in the Arctic, and the improvement of the quality of life for the residents of the Far North, he added.
The Arctic Council is an intergovernmental forum for the development of cooperation of the Arctic states. Its purpose is to coordinate their actions, in ensuring the region's sustainable development, environmental protection, and the preservation of cultures, traditions and languages of the region's indigenous peoples. The Council was established in September 1996 in Ottawa, Canada, with the membership of eight Arctic states: Denmark, Iceland, Canada, Norway, Russia, the United States, Finland and Sweden.
The two-day conference that kicked off on Wednesday is being held in the Russian capital.
