Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced Moscow’s openness to pragmatic cooperation in the Arctic with all parties for constructive dialogue that respects Russia’s interests, according to Russian media.
Speaking at the plenary session of the Arctic–Regions Forum, he said, “Our country remains committed to open and pragmatic cooperation in the Arctic with all those willing to engage in respectful dialogue while taking into account Russia’s sovereign rights in the region.”
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko emphasized that Russia intends to utilize its Arctic resources not only for its own benefit but also for cooperation with partners.
He added, “Russia is very pleased that its efforts in the Arctic are attracting international partners. We are seeing the greatest interest from our Chinese and Indian colleagues.”
These remarks come at a time when Russia is seeking to bolster economic and transport cooperation in the Arctic, particularly via the Northern Sea Route, which connects Russian sea lanes in the Arctic Ocean with Asia and Europe. China is a key partner in developing this route, while India is showing increasing interest in cooperating with Moscow in the region.
The region is gaining increasing importance as ice melts and climate conditions change, opening up opportunities for alternative shipping routes and the exploitation of energy and mineral resources.
At the same time, the Arctic has become an arena of growing competition between Russia and Western countries, giving Russian cooperation with China and India an economic and strategic dimension that extends beyond mere resource exploitation. (EIR)
