Anton Kobyakov, Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation, Executive Secretary of the Organizing Committee for the Preparation and Holding of the International Arctic Forum "Arctic – Territory of Dialogue", and Vladislav Maslennikov, Director of the Department of European Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, senior official of the Arctic Council from the Russian Federation, met in Moscow.
The participants discussed the development of international cooperation in the Arctic, as well as the content and topics of the IAF-2025 business program, which will be held in Murmansk on March 26-27 under the motto "Live in the North!". The event is organized by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Government of the Russian Federation.
"The Arctic is a unique region that is important for the systematic solution of tasks related to the development of logistics, mining and other strategic issues that affect the global agenda. Russia plays a key role in the development and exploration of the northern latitudes. We have gained unique experience working in the extreme conditions of the North, which allows us not only to effectively develop the economic potential of the region, but also to carefully preserve its fragile ecosystem. In addition, Russia has consistently emphasized the importance of taking into account the interests of indigenous peoples, preserving their cultural heritage and traditional way of life. The development of the Arctic is not only an economic issue, but also a part of national identity and sovereignty. Despite the opposition of Western states, Russia is open to equal dialogue and interaction with all interested parties. I am confident that the upcoming international Arctic Forum will become a significant platform for the formation of new instruments for sustainable cooperation in the Far North," emphasized Anton Kobyakov.
It was noted at the meeting that work within the framework of traditional international dialogue platforms in the Arctic, including on the basis of the Arctic Council, has now been virtually stopped. Nevertheless, there is potential both for restoring constructive cooperation with the Arctic countries and for expanding cooperation with non-regional states.
"Within the framework of the Arctic Council, the activities of working groups with Russian participation have partially resumed, which allows us to count on the restoration of effective communication with other states in the region. We are ready for mutually beneficial cooperation to unlock the economic potential of the Arctic, taking into account the interests of indigenous peoples and preserving the ecological balance in the Far North. Discussion of promising international initiatives, including with non-regional States, will occupy an important place in the forum's program. This dialogue will contribute to the sustainable development of the Arctic and the preservation of peace and stability in the region," Vladislav Maslennikov said.
Russia's chairmanship of the Arctic Council ended in 2023. Special attention was paid to four priority areas: "Arctic population, including indigenous peoples", "Environmental protection, including climate change issues", "Socio-economic development", as well as "Strengthening Arctic cooperation". About 90 events have been held in two years.
The International Arctic Forum "The Arctic – the Territory of Dialogue" is a key platform for discussing topical issues of socio-economic development of the Arctic territories, developing multi-level multilateral mechanisms for joint disclosure and effective development of the powerful resource potential of the Arctic region.
/ Ministry of Information Policy of the Murmansk Region based on the materials of the Roscongress Foundation /