WASHINGTON, November 20 (Sputnik) — The National Geographic Society in the United States will continue to cooperate with their Russian counterparts despite the sanctions over the Ukrainian crisis, John Fahey, the organization's chairman told journalists.
"We do intend to continue our cooperation with Russia," John Fahey said.
The chairman noted that the society and its Russian partners have done scientific research as part of the National Geographic Pristine Seas program up in Franz Joseph Island.
"It's been very important for us and, I think, very important for the world in general in terms of saving and preserving oceans and the wild life that live in those oceans," Fahey added. "Our cooperation with Russia on that project has been very positive, very good," he stressed.
Over the past few months, the European Union, the United States and their allies have implemented several rounds of sanctions against Russia over the Ukrainian crisis. Although the sanctions have not directly affected the scientific cooperation between the United States and Russia, Fahey says there have still been some changes.
"I anticipate that things have clearly changed a bit. It's sometimes slower to get decisions made and to move ahead," he explained, adding that he is not surprised by that. "I am confident and optimistic that this period will be behind us at some point, and that we can continue the work we are doing at a pace that's good and appropriate."
"Our relationships are still intact and very strong with the scientific community and with the geographic community in Russia," Fahey concluded.
Relations between Russia and the West have deteriorated significantly as Western politicians and media have repeatedly accused Russia of meddling in Ukraine's internal affairs and aiding independence supporters in Ukraine's southeast.
Moscow has repeatedly denied the allegations, expressing concern over increased NATO military presence along Russia's eastern borders, which, according to Russia, could undermine global strategic balance.
