ST. PETERSBURG, April 10. /TASS/. The Russian Academy of Sciences’ (RAS) Institute of Oceanology and the Chinese Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology signed an agreement to create a Russian-Chinese Arctic research center, which will serve as the basis for the joint research conducted by both countries in the Arctic, the Russian Institute of Oceanology’s press service reported on Wednesday.

The agreement was officially signed on April 10 at the 5th International Arctic Forum in St. Petersburg.

"The establishment of such a center will take the bilateral scientific cooperation between Russia and China to a new level. We will be able to jointly plan and realize large projects including joint Arctic expeditions and hold active innovative dialogue in researching mineral and biological resources of the ocean to preserve the unique underwater ecosystems," the statement cites acting Director of the Institute Alexey Sokov.

Scientists agreed to carry out joint research projects in the Arctic, including experiments aboard the research vessels of the Institute of Oceanology, and the evaluation of the climate, geological and bio-geo-chemical processes and changing trends in the region’s ecosystem. Based on the statement, this research work will make it possible to predict the ice cover situation on the Northeast Passage (NEP) and shape recommendations to ensure ecologically balances development of the Arctic territories.

Leading experts of the research centers in Russia and China are expected to be involved in the work of the new joint center.

St. Petersburg is hosting the Arctic: Territory of Dialogue 5th International Arctic Forum on April 9-10. ‘The Arctic. An Ocean of Opportunities’ is this year’s theme at the forum. Roscongress is the official organizer, while TASS is a primary information partner and the official photo hosting provider.