MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Russia continues the historic mission of caring and balanced development of the Arctic Zone, Russia's Minister for Development of the Far East and Arctic Alexey Chekunov told TASS.
"The International Arctic Forum's business program reflects the intensive progress of the Russian Arctic agenda, and first of all of its constructive aspects" he said. "While many countries view the Arctic in exclusively the resource or military context, Russia continues its historic mission of caring and balanced development of these territories that are strategically important for this country."
The minister noted that the upcoming forum's agenda covers a wide range of topics - from a competitive model of the Northern Sea Route's development, to a wider choice of investments, housing construction, affordable goods and Arctic brands.
"This wide range reflects Russia's undisputed leadership in the comprehensive development of the Arctic territories, and the forum's international format demonstrates the country is open to productive dialogue with all countries, interested in the Arctic's balanced development," the minster added.
The Murmansk Region will host for the first time The Arctic: Territory of Dialogue Forum on March 26 - 27. One of the key topics would be the Northern Sea Route - to mark the 500th anniversary of its discovery. TASS is the forum's information partner.