ARKHANGELSK (Sputnik) — The international conference on the security and development of the Arctic region kicked off in the northern Russian city of Arkhangelsk on Wednesday. Delegations of more than 11 countries, along with foreign scientists and researchers, are participating in the conference.
"We are at the initial stage of participation [in operations] in the Arctic region. But we are ready to work with other member states of the Arctic Council to take part in ensuring the security and sustainable development of the Arctic region," Li said on the sidelines of the fifth annual meeting of Arctic Council members.
The Arctic Council is an intergovernmental forum for promoting cooperation, coordination and interaction among the governments of the Arctic countries. The forum comprises eight Arctic nations, namely Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States.
