Russia backs agenda for Iceland’s chairmanship in Arctic Council - Lavrov

ST.PETERSBURG, April 9. /TASS/. Russia is confident that Iceland will meet the goals of its chairmanship in the Arctic Council and positively assesses its program, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ 5th International Arctic Forum on Tuesday. "In a month, Iceland will become a new captain, who will stand on the bridge of the Arctic ship. I’m sure that Icelandic partners will be able to successfully accomplish this responsible mission. We support the program of Icelandic chairmanship, which especially and justifiably focuses on the sea’s problems," Lavrov said. According to Lavrov, half of Russia’s coastline is along the Arctic and Russia bears responsibility for the Northern Sea Route, which is under its sovereignty. "Given these circumstances, we are very impressed by the plans of the Icelandic chairmanship in such areas as green shipping, combating marine debris, including microplastic, and also combating ocean acidification, development of maritime shipping in the Arctic, including cruise tourism. The goals of enhancing the potential of an urgent response to possible emergency situations are becoming of special importance," the minister stressed. The Fifth International Arctic Forum, organized by the Roscongress Foundation, is taking place in Russia’s St. Petersburg on April 9-10. This year, the event’s main theme is ‘The Arctic. An Ocean of Opportunities’. TASS is the general information partner and the official photohost agency of the event. Read more