The ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ International Arctic Forum officially opened in Arkhangelsk on March 29, says the organizers. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin welcomed the Forum participants and guests and expressed the hope that the ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ Forum would truly become a regular international platform for an open dialogue on the current Arctic agenda.
“Our government’s activities aim to create a modern, comfortable environment for life in the Arctic territories, preserve the identity of indigenous peoples as bearers of genetically inherited knowledge about these harsh living conditions as well as the ability to survive and prosper”, Rogozin said during his address, and also expressed the hope that each session would result in specific proposals that can serve as the foundation for subsequent management decisions.
“Maintaining a reasonable balance when developing and exploring the Arctic region is a global challenge. This is why the Arctic is above all a territory of dialogue today. A dialogue of wise, competent and responsible people who know how the Arctic must be left for our children”, Rogozin said in conclusion.
Artur Chilingarov, the Russian President’s special envoy for international cooperation in the Arctic and Antarctica, also gave a welcome address.
“Now more than ever we need a broad, free, and impartial international dialogue at the most diverse levels to discuss the most important problems of the Arctic region. We can proudly say that as a result of our joint efforts countries of the Arctic region have been able to maintain the level of cooperation that has currently been achieved. We can say without exaggeration that cooperation in the Arctic today is a model for a good-neighbourly, stable, and predictable policy. The Forum’s format provides the opportunity for a dialogue between scientists, experts, officials, and company executives”, Chilingarov said.
The other speakers included: Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang, Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs Anders Samuelsen, Icelandic Minister for Foreign Affairs Gudlaugur Thor Thordarson, Norwegian Minister for Foreign Affairs Børge Brende, US Ambassador to the Russian Federation John Tefft, and Singaporean Senior Minister of Manpower and Senior Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office Sam Tan.
Arkhangelsk Region Governor Igor Orlov also welcomed the participants:
“It’s a huge honour for us to receive guests from all over the world. And we hope that these days will bring you the joy of discovery, productive solutions, and useful meetings”.