Our Arctic policy is transparent
“Partnership should and shall shape the development of the Arctic, therefore cooperation is the starting point for our Arctic policy,” Vladimir Barbin, Senior Arctic Official and representative to the Arctic Council, said at the Arctic Circle 2015 assembly.
In his speech at the plenary session “Russia in the Arctic”, Russia’s representative to the Arctic Council said that cooperation in the Arctic is going on as normal and is not affected by “problems on the international arena”.
Russia is convinced that it is the Arctic states that have the biggest responsibility for the Arctic, but an international cooperation is needed in order to solve all challenges. Many non-arctic states are now involved in Arctic matters, which Russia sees as vital for a sustainable development of the region.
“All our activities in the Arctic are in compliance with international law. We do not want any more rights than any other coastal state, but we want the same rights,” Barbin said, and added that “there are no challenges or problems in the arctic that can be solved with military means.”
There is no split in Russian leadership when it comes to Arctic policy. The international legal regime clearly states the rights of arctic coastal states and other states. The laws are not contested by anyone, Barbin underlined.
Russian authorities emphasise to have a transparent Arctic policy. All main documents that serve as the guideline for Russia’s Arctic policy are published on-line and open for all to read. “Our Arctic policy is transparent. Glasnost is still relevant,” Barbin said.
