SOCHI (Sputnik) — Russia maintains and develops constructive dialogue with foreign partners, including the United States, regarding issues relating to the Arctic region, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitri Rogozin said Monday.
“In the framework of tense international relations, the Arctic issue remains one of the few, over which the constructive dialogue with our foreign partners, including the United States, has not been ceased, and continues to further develop in many areas of cooperation,” Rogozin said.
The lawmaker noted that these interactions range from collaborative research to the realization of concrete projects.
According to Rogozin, participation by Russian regions in various international organizations contributes to the maintenance of good relations in the Arctic region.
The Arctic is thought to contain enormous untapped resources of oil and gas. Five of the Arctic Circle countries, including the United States, Russia, Canada, Norway and Denmark have expressed a high interest in exploring the region.
Russia regards the development of its Arctic areas as a top priority.
