“Russia’s priorities in the Arctic derive from the provisions of the Strategy for Developing the Russian Arctic Zone and Ensuring National Security until 2035. On this basis, we cooperate with all actors involved, including China,” continues Korchunov.
As is customary from the Russian side, he also paints a negative picture of the West and a favorable one of Russia:
“While focus on confrontation, antagonism and forceful scenarios to ensure their interests in the Arctic at the expense of others are increasingly prevailing in the approaches of some Arctic states, the Russian strategy aims at finding solutions to other challenges – sustainable development of the region, preserving the fragile nature of the Arctic as well as the way of life of Indigenous Peoples and overall ensuring the well-being of all people living in the North.”
With this, the ambassador likely refers in particular to the US.
“As to the international dimension, the Russian strategy highlights the importance to cooperate on search and rescue, economic and humanitarian ties, scientific work and the support of Indigenous Peoples. I would reiterate that the strategy does not say a word about confrontation with other states,” he adds.