MOSCOW, November 19. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed hope that the Federal Arctic Forum that opened in Moscow on Thursday will trigger new ambitious projects and initiatives.

"I am sincerely glad that your forum continues the existing traditions and once again brings together in Moscow people of very different ages, professions, interests, offering a bright, intensive and substantial program," the president said in his message to the forum.

"Arctic Days in Moscow is always a kaleidoscope of interesting events, scientific discussion, business and creative events," he continued. "But the main thing here is continuation of a serious professional conversation of Russian and foreign participants about exploration of the Arctic region, about our common responsibility for conservation of its richest natural, historical, ethnographic and cultural heritage," Putin continued.

"I am confident the the forum will be creative and constructive, will contribute to the launch of new promising projects and initiatives," the president said.

The text of the message was posted on the Kremlin website.

More than 25% of global oil and gas resources are concentrated in the Arctic Region, covering an area of about 27 million square kilometers, experts say. Competition among the Arctic countries for access to energy resources has been growing in the recent years.

The Arctic zone of the Russian Federation accounts for 11% of national income and 22% of Russian exports.