Some 280 volunteers from Russian and European cities have arrived in St. Petersburg to work at the ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ 5^th International Arctic Forum. The largest delegation of more than 40 people came from Arkhangelsk where the previous Forum was held. All volunteers have undergone special training and passed exams.

“Roscongress traditionally devotes much attention to volunteers’ training. Over the short period of training, we must provide them with a large amount of information and instructions, and check how much this knowledge has been assimilated. Volunteers should not only be polite, orderly, and able to communicate, but also have information on a wide range of issues about which they will be asked by Forum participants”, Roscongress Foundation Chairman of the Board and CEO Alexander Stuglev said.

Volunteers worked both at the Forum venue and at key remote sites and also help participants navigate the Moskovsky Railway Terminal and Pulkovo Airport. Their duties also included greeting participants, providing information support for Forum guests and orientation at the event venue, escorting official delegations, compiling and issuing participants’ portfolios, administering business, sporting, and cultural programme areas as well as catering areas for participants and the media, issuing accreditation badges, and providing assistance to the media.

A number of important documents on cooperation were signed by the Arkhangelsk Region and regional representatives and large companies at the ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ 5^th International Arctic Forum.

On the eve of the Forum, Governor of the Arkhangelsk Region Igor Orlov and Acting Governor of St. Petersburg Alexander Beglov signed an Action Plan for the development of cooperation between the governments of the Arkhangelsk Region and St. Petersburg for 2019–2021. The document expands previously reached agreements between the two Russian constituent entities on trade and economic, scientific, technical, and cultural cooperation, adding important fields such as health, education, sports, and the implementation of youth policy.

The Arkhangelsk Region and the Republic of Karelia signed a cooperation agreement defining key areas of cooperation between the two regions for the upcoming three-year period. Governor of the Arkhangelsk Region Igor Orlov and Head of the Republic of Karelia Arthur Parfenchikov identified further cooperation in education and science, the implementation of youth policy and fish farming and forestry projects, and cooperation in the preservation of cultural heritage as priority areas.

The Arkhangelsk Region and the Nenets Autonomous Okrug plan to work together to develop interregional air transportation. The corresponding agreement was signed at the International Arctic Forum by Governor of the Arkhangelsk Region Igor Orlov and NAO Governor Alexander Tsybulskiy. As per the document, the regions made known their intention to work together to develop aviation assets and regional and interregional air transportation.

The Arkhangelsk Region Development Agency signed a cooperation agreement with the Roscongress Foundation at the International Arctic Forum 2019. The document was signed by Roscongress Foundation Chairman of the Board and CEO Alexander Stuglev and Agency General Director Maxim Zaborsky. The agreement is aimed at furthering cooperation and interaction between the foundation and the agency on a long-term and mutually beneficial basis for the purpose of increasing the investment attractiveness and export potential of the Arkhangelsk Region, promoting promising regional investment, export, and other business projects in domestic and foreign markets, and improving legal culture.

A tripartite agreement was also signed at the Forum and aims to support the Pavlovskoye lead-zinc ore deposit mining and processing plant construction investment project, with total investment in the project estimated at RUB 35 billion. The document was signed by Governor of the Arkhangelsk Region Igor Orlov, General Director of the First Ore-Mining Company JSC Sergey Nezamaev, and General Director of Atomredmetzoloto JSC Vladimir Verkhovtsev.

The Arkhangelsk Region signed a cooperation agreement with the Admiral Makarov State University of Maritime and Inland Shipping at the Forum. Governor of the Arkhangelsk Region Igor Orlov and University Rector Sergey Baryshnikov signed a document focussing on joint work

in areas such as personnel training, advanced training and preparation of workers of large industrial and shipping organizations, as well as on fundamental and applied research.

“We are looking for points of growth shared by our territories that will allow us to achieve the goal set by the President aimed at ensuring the quality of life of Arctic inhabitants on a national level”, Orlov said. “Nowadays, it is essential to increase not only capabilities but also content while working on this issue, which will ultimately significantly affect the quality of life in the Arctic territories”.

Statement by Prime Minister Erna Solberg at the High Level Panel of the Arctic Forum in St. Petersburg, 9 April 2019.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen – friends of the Arctic,

I am thrilled to be here with you to address common issues on the Arctic.

Together we will discuss the many opportunities and possible cooperation the region has to offer.

But as we meet, there is also cause for concern.

The latest reports of new record-breaking temperatures from Canada and elsewhere are alarming.

The fact is, the Arctic is warming twice as fast as the rest of the globe.

This rapid change is having disturbing impacts on the environment and the living resources of the region.

Indigenous peoples are severely affected.

We have no time to waste.

We need more dialogue and cooperation, based on international law, in order to deal with the risks and impacts.

At the same time, we must look for opportunities.   

10 % of Norway’s population live in the Arctic.

The region is therefore a key national priority.

We need a clear vision to ensure resilient societies in the north.

Sustainable use of natural resources based on knowledge and innovation is important.

Norway does not have all the answers, but has a fairly good track record.

One reason is that we make decisions based on scientific findings and expert advice. 

Another is green thinking.

The third reason I would like to underline is the fact that scientists, politicians and businesses talk and consult.

The people who live, work and raise their children in the Arctic deserve to live in modern, resilient societies. 

We need to invest in infrastructure.

We need high quality daycare for children, and good schools and universities.

We also need football fields, concert halls and hospitals.

I know that Russia has always thought this way.

Now we need to adapt this thinking to a green future in the Arctic.

Political leadership is crucial.

The development and implementation of new and greener technologies are driven by political choices.

Green thinking is part of the solution and must be framed as a business opportunity.

Now and then I hear the Arctic described as a geopolitical hotspot.

This is not how we see it. 

We know the Arctic as a region of peace and stability.

But this should not be taken for granted.

It is the result of political decisions and practical cooperation between the Arctic states.

There is a well-functioning legal regime in place.

The Law of the Sea is the most prominent instrument.

Respect for international law and regional cooperation are keys to ensuring peace and stability across borders.

The regional organisations provide a solid architecture for dialogue and practical cooperation in the Arctic.

The Arctic Council is our most important arena for discussing issues of mutual interest in the region.

One of the reasons for its success is the fact that it gathers all key stakeholders, including indigenous peoples.

The Arctic Council makes it possible to find joint solutions to regional challenges and to ensure continued stability and development in the region.

The Ministerial in Rovaniemi in May will mark the end of a successful Finnish chairmanship.

The Arctic Council has done ground-breaking work in documenting climate change in the region.

We want the statement from Rovaniemi to deliver a strong message on climate change.

We hope that all the member states can agree on this.

Norway and Russia are neighbours and cooperate on issues of common interest in the north.

The Incidents at Sea Agreement, our coastguard collaboration, joint environmental initiatives, and the direct hotline between the Norwegian Military Headquarters and the Russian Northern Fleet all demonstrate a well-functioning cooperation between neighbours.

Our cooperation in the north is more than just meetings and documents.

The people-to-people contact is a valuable contribution to our bilateral relations.

It’s about swimmers and wrestlers training together in Murmansk.

It’s about joint Norwegian-Russian orchestras and Norwegians studying in Arkhangelsk.

And it’s about Indigenous people exchanging experiences.

More than anything, this cooperation is about common understanding and respect between different cultures.

The main platform for our close cross-border contacts is the Barents cooperation.

In October, Norway will assume the chairmanship of the Barents Euro-Arctic Council.

We will work for a strong and resilient Barents region with particular focus on health, people-to-people contact and knowledge.

The ocean as a way of life is a constant in Norwegian history.

The sea is our gateway to the world.

The oceans economy will continue to be crucial for strong Arctic communities in the future.

Healthy oceans are a prerequisite for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Ecosystem-based ocean management and cooperation between coastal states on management of transboundary marine resources are important factors.

As maritime nations, the Arctic states have a special responsibility to take action to ensure healthy and productive oceans.

Norway and Russia have cooperated actively in the field of marine science for 60 years.

During our 40 years of joint fisheries management, we have managed to protect the environment and harvest the fishery resources of the Barents Sea in a sustainable manner.

As a result, the Northeast Atlantic cod and other fish stocks in the Barents Sea are among the best managed in the world.

This cooperation is something to be proud of, and it should serve as an example for other countries and regions to follow.

Marine litter is a growing threat to life in the sea.

Norway and Russia are now joining forces to combat marine litter in the Barents Sea.

All Arctic states need to reduce the threats that could undermine the potential of the oceans.

And we need to make the best possible use of the ocean resources to the benefit of our coastal communities and the people who live there.

Our goal is both to protect the oceans and to optimise their value.

This is why I have established the High-level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, which consists of the leaders of 14 coastal states, supported by a global group of experts.

In October, Norway will host the seventh Our Ocean Conference.

We will emphasise the importance of a sustainable ocean economy and knowledge-based management of seas and coastal areas.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Let me conclude by once again underlining the importance of dialogue and cooperation.

I would therefore like to thank our Russian hosts for bringing us all together for these important discussions on the opportunities and challenges in the Arctic.

Exchanging views makes us all a little wiser.

And a wise approach is needed to ensure a responsible future for the Arctic.

Practical issues related to the Arctic can be resolved only in collaboration with scientists according to a statement made today by the President of the Association of Polar Explorers and Special Presidential Representative for International Cooperation in the Arctic and Antarctic Arthur Chilingarov at the ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ 5^th International Arctic Forum.

“Together with scientists, Russia is implementing interesting international projects that further prove that the Arctic can only be developed nowadays through research. Our expeditionary service is in the Arctic right now aboard the Academic Tryoshnikov research vessel, which is frozen in the ice. 150 scientists from different countries are on board”, Chilingarov said.

Furthermore, Chilingarov confirmed that scientists were working together closely with big business. According to him, icebergs had already been moved in order to ensure the safety of work on drilling rigs in the Arctic.

“Rosneft and the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute worked together to move icebergs 50 miles from the Laptev Sea”, Chilingarov said, drawing attention to the fact that there were many practical issues and that they were all gradually being resolved.

When asked about the environmental situation in the region, Chilingarov replied: “I must say that the environmental situation in the Arctic is not a simple one. But there is an initiative from the Russian President, who has given instructions to pay special attention to the Arctic environment. We have already cleared a significant part of the territory of industrial waste and waste associated with past military activity. A programme related to cleanliness and exploring different ways of cleaning the region is being actively implemented.”

President of the Association of Polar Explorers and Special Presidential Representative for International Cooperation in the Arctic and Antarctic Arthur Chilingarov has been keeping busy at the anniversary Arctic Forum. He took part in ‘The Arctic. An Ocean of Opportunity’ plenary session and in other key forum sessions.

The Youth Day of the International Arctic Forum 2019 offered a panel session entitled ‘Supporting Young Enterprise in the Arctic’. 

Nikolay Ostarkov, Member of the General Council of Delovaya Rossiya (Business Russia) moderated the session and emphasized that “supporting small enterprises is not an easy job. Despite various preferences and privileged regimes, there’s no explosive growth. We need to create a single mechanism to support youth projects aimed at developing northern regions. In the nearest future, we will draft a programme to promote entrepreneurship and we need specific and clear proposals based on this session.”     

Pavel Lenets, Director of Sapphire LLC, shared the following statistics: 18% of Russia’s territory is inhabited by just 2% of its population. Migration balance in the Arctic area is negative. Businesses show an increment in earnings, but their expenses are also on the rise. Over the last three years, the number of registered entrepreneurs has not seen any real growth: in 2017 – 64,039; in 2018 – 64,047; as of 1 January 2019 – 64,137. Services would be the main business profile, as stated by Mr. Lenets. He gave the following answer to the question “What needs to be done to change the situation?”: “We need adequate social and transport infrastructure, preferential interest-free loans, ASEZ and technology parks in the Northern Sea Route’s ports, equipment leasing at minimal interest rates, incentives for enterprises, business training and business incubators.”            

Alexander Kondrashin, Director General of the Agency for Investment Development of Sakha Republic (Yakutia), noted that major businesses in the North were capable of giving 10–15% of their orders to small and medium enterprises. He also stated that “the Arctic needs two fundamental things – investment projects and people. When it comes to delivering public-private partnership (PPP) projects, including the social ones, taxes need to back off a little. The Arctic needs to become an attractive place for people to work and live. Private healthcare, private education and ulus (nomad camp) residents should be exempt from taxes,” concluded Alexander Kondrashin. 

Viktor Ikonnikov, Deputy Chairman of the Government of Arkhangelsk Region, shared his vision of the problems business faced in his region. Mass production for major businesses is done in the central part of the country, as doing it locally is cost-prohibitive. In this case, savings reach 15–20%. The cost of electric energy is very high in the North. It needs to go the wholesale market pool first, which will reduce energy cost and increase efficiency of local businesses. Besides, another burden on the business would be the so-called Northern allowance, shorter business week and longer vacations. “Supporting young enterprise requires developing mentorship, implementing large projects in the Arctic zone and providing financial support to the little ones,” stated Mr. Ikonnikov.   

In her speech, Olga Shtemberg, Chairperson of the Committee for Supporting Entrepreneurship in the Field New Quality of Life and Sustainable Development of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, focused on the environmental problems of the northern areas. “The North is a special and sensitive area, while environmental action is always expensive. The North needs understanding and careful protection. The Arctic is Russia’s face. It needs to be actively cleaned of whatever remained of the Soviet time activities, and business has a long way to go in this department,” emphasized Olga Shtemberg.  

Anatoly Zorin, Director of the Russian Youth Business Assistance Center, spoke about the project to create the automated system called ‘Entrepreneurial Community’ that would serve as a tool to build horizontal ties between business people.   

Elena Kozak, Director of the Center for the Development of Innovative Teams and Projects “Creative Cluster” and Head of the Project “Arctic Youth” at Taimyr College, discussed projects to create and promote folk art brands of the indigenous and small-numbered peoples of the North.    

Roscongress Foundation Chairman of the Board and CEO Alexander Stuglev and University of the Arctic President Lars Kullerud on 9 April signed a cooperation agreement to establish effective communication between expert, business, and political communities in the Arctic region and the Russian Federation as part of the scientific and educational spaces of the Arctic regions.

“We are interested in developing common communication platforms at the international level in order to generate interstate cooperation in various areas. One of our key objectives is to help strengthen existing partnerships as well as to find and develop new long-term partnerships between representatives of the business communities of the Arctic region”, Stuglev said. 

The parties agreed to provide mutual advisory, informational, and expert support on pertinent issues on the scientific and educational agenda of the Arctic.

The University of the Arctic is the leading network for cooperation in higher education and scientific research in the subarctic region. Kullerud said that he welcomes this partnership as a way to combine the knowledge and experience of both countries, which are essential for expanding international exploration in the Russian Arctic: “The Arctic already has extensive experience working at such events as the International Arctic Forum 2019. With this agreement, the University of the Arctic and the Roscongress Foundation will expand economic development opportunities for the people of the North, students, and researchers who can work closely with businesses and governments of various countries to ensure the prosperous and sustainable development of the Arctic”.

The University of the Arctic (UArctic) consists of an international network of universities, colleges, research institutes, and other organizations involved in education and research in the North.

At present, the University of the Arctic is one of the most successful examples of international cooperation. The university promotes the growth of human potential in the North, the sustainable development of local communities and the economy as well as the creation of global partnerships.

The University has official observer status on the Arctic Council. The University of the Arctic has two administrative offices in Russia: a research office in Arkhangelsk (based at the Northern (Arctic) Federal University) and the Russian-language centre for information support in Yakutsk (based at North-Eastern Federal University).

“The development strategy of Russia’s Arctic zone designates international relations as one of the priorities for the development of the Arctic territory. The Arctic is a space for international dialogue and cooperation, and its scientific development should take place in close cooperation with foreign partners”, said Marina Kalinina, Vice President of the University of the Arctic and advisor to the rector of Northern (Arctic) Federal University for international cooperation. “Russia is one of the active members of the Consortium. Our country is represented by 53 participants”.

On 9 April 2019, on the sidelines of the ‘Artic: Territory of Dialogue’ International Arctic Forum in St. Petersburg, Almaz – Antey Air and Space Defence Corporation and ARMZ Uranium Holding Co. signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in Arctic projects. 

The document was signed by Almaz – Antey Corporation General Director Yan Novikov and Vladimir Verkhovtsev, General Director of ARMZ Uranium Holding Co.

According to the memorandum, the parties intend to explore the possibility of building aviation infrastructure on the Novaya Zemlya archipelago to support ARMZ operations. The document provides for possible participation by Almaz – Antey Corporation enterprises in projects to develop the Pavlovskoye lead-zinc deposit, particularly through production of specialised equipment for working under the Arctic conditions. The parties also expressed interest in co-operating on ensuring the field’s integrated and environmental safety.

ARMZ Uranium Holding Co. is a leader on the global uranium market. The company is implementing a project for commercial development of the Pavlovskoye lead-zinc deposit on the southern Yuzhny Island of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago.

Almaz – Antey Air and Space Defence Corporation is one of the biggest integrated associations of the Russian defence industry, with a staff of about 130,000. Last year, for the first time ever, the holding company was ranked among the top ten of the world’s biggest manufacturers of military products, taking 8th place in the TOP-100 rating of the United States’ Defense News Weekly. The Corporation’s products are in service in more than 50 countries.

Official Forum website: forumarctica.ru 

Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation Anton Kobyakov and Acting Governor of St. Petersburg Alexander Beglov met at the ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ 5^th International Arctic Forum on 9 April.

The parties discussed development of the Arctic at the meeting. Alexander Beglov told that St. Petersburg is a point of concentration of research and educational establishments and high-tech production facilities that are necessary for the Arctic exploration and many enterprises are ready to expand their competences in the Arctic Region. Besides, the Baltic Shipyard is currently building three icebreakers, whereas the Admiralty Shipyard is starting the construction of a drifting ice-resistant research station for exploring high latitudes.

Alexander Beglov noted, “The infrastructure of St. Petersburg is ready for hosting events at the highest level, and the International Arctic Forum today proves it. During these several days, our city has become the Capital of the Arctic Regions, which definitely contributes to the strategy of the Development of the Russian Arctic. On top of that, the city takes on the largest part of the exploration of the Northern Sea Route, therefore, hosting the International Arctic Forum in St. Petersburg on a regular basis will help bring together leading scientists and researchers, major representatives of business, international experts working in the Arctic to discuss projects and new working practices.”

According to Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation Anton Kobyakov, great interest in the International Arctic Forum from foreign heads of the Arctic states and representatives of international and Russian business, scientists working in the Arctic Regions, and increasing load on the infrastructure of the receiving party contribute to holding further Arctic Forums in St. Petersburg. 

Adding to the subject of international events, Alexander Beglov told about preparations of the city to the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. He pointed out that SPIEF 2019 will traditionally take place at the ExpoForum Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Norway Erna Solberg on the sidelines of the 5th International Arctic Forum The Arctic: Territory of Dialogue.

Next year marks the 115th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries. As far as I know, this year also marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of northern Norway from the Nazis, and, to my knowledge, Norway will celebrate this date at a high level. We took note of this and appreciate it very much said Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the 5th International Arctic Forum.

Indeed, northern Norway is grateful to Russia for liberating East-Finnmark from the Nazi invaders. We will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the liberation in the autumn. We are pleased that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will come for this anniversary. Norway recognises the sacrifices the Soviet people made during liberation from the invaders. We are grateful to Russia for that said Norwegian PM Erna Solberg.

we covered extensively the opportunities for cooperation and the threats associated with working in the Arctic. In this regard, I would like to remind you of the positive experiences of our cooperation, the most important of which include agreements on sections of the sea, on cooperation, as well as on activities in the Barents Sea and a portion of the Arctic Ocean. This is good for bilateral relations and for cooperation in the Arctic in general Putin said.

We are pleased to take part in this international Arctic conference, the subject of which is closely related to Norway, namely, ocean conditions. We strongly appreciate the invitation to St Petersburg and the warm welcome that we, the Norwegian delegation, have received Erna Solberg said. Indeed, primarily, our two countries cooperate in the north. We maintain neighbourly relations, and we face many common challenges. I hope we will be able to expand this theme-specific cooperation in the future she said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin says he will wait for the trial of a Norwegian man jailed on espionage charges to wrap up before weighing pleas for a pardon.

Frode Berg was arrested in Moscow in December 2017. His lawyer said that Berg, a retired Norwegian border inspector, is the victim of a setup.

Putin commented on the case Tuesday as he sat down for talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg on the sidelines of an Arctic forum in St. Petersburg. Asked by reporters if he would pardon Berg, he responded that “only a convicted person can be pardoned” and added that “we shall see what can be done” after the trial ends.

Russian prosecutors said Berg was accused of collecting information about Russian nuclear submarines for Norwegian intelligence.

Speech at the plenary session of 5th International Arctic Forum

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Niinistö, Mr Jóhannesson, Ms Solberg, Mr Löfven, ladies and gentlemen, friends,

I am happy to welcome you to St Petersburg, the northern capital of Russia whose history is closely connected with legendary Arctic expeditions, industrial exploration of this unique region and preservation of its nature and unique culture.

This is the fifth time that International Arctic Forum The Arctic: Territory of Dialogue becomes a platform for an open discussion of the Arctic agenda. We thank our foreign guests and representatives of the Arctic Council countries for their readiness to team up and their understanding of our shared responsibility for the future of the Arctic and its stable and sustainable development.

In 2021, Russia will assume presidency of the Arctic Council. We invite all participants of the Council and other states to cooperate in the Arctic. The priorities of our presidency are vital for the Arctic development: promotion of sustainable technologies in all areas, including industry, transport and energy.

Today we are carrying out our projects in the Arctic, including global ones, based on the latest environmental standards. It is enough to mention the Yamal LNG project and the development of the Bovanenkovskoye and Kharasaveyskoye gas fields. Today, the Arctic accounts for over 10 percent of all investment in the Russian Federation. I am convinced that the importance of the Arctic factor in the Russian economy will only grow further. 

This year we are going to draft and adopt a new strategy for the development of the Russian Arctic up to 2035. It is to combine measures stipulated in our national projects and state programmes, the investment plans of infrastructure companies and programmes for developing Arctic regions and cities.

All Arctic regions should be brought to the level of at least the national average in key socioeconomic indicators and living standards. I would like to emphasise that this task should not only be clearly defined in the new strategy of Arctic development but should also serve as a guide for the work of all federal departments and regional authorities of Russia. It is absolutely necessary to take into account the specific nature of the problems facing the indigenous minorities of the North. 

Special attention should be paid to the development of transport and other support infrastructure. We are well aware that this is a necessary foundation for future investment and business initiatives. The construction of theNorthern Latitudinal Railway is a key infrastructure project. This railway will make it possible to start effective development of the natural riches of the Polar Urals and Yamal, and in the long-term, the north of Krasnoyarsk Territory of the Russian Federation. And we will certainly continue developing the global transport corridor that includes the Northern Sea Route and which will be functioning without fail year round.

Our goal to significantly boost the freight traffic and bring it up to 80 million tonnes by 2025 on the Northern Sea Route alone was outlined in the 2018 Address to the Federal Assembly. Just 10 to 15 years ago, this figure looked absolutely out of reach, whereas today it is a realistic, carefully calculated and concrete goal. As of last year, the volume of traffic on the Northern Sea Route already reached 20 million tonnes. This is three times – I reiterate – three times more than the Soviet record set in 1987, when the Soviet Union transported 6.5 million tonnes using this route. Now, it is 20 million tonnes.

In order for this global transport corridor to operate at full capacity, we will develop the communication and coastal infrastructure, including port facilities, navigation, and meteorological aids, and ensure safe commercial navigation.

We encourage our foreign partners to join us in our efforts to create hub ports at the end points of the route. I mean the Murmansk transport hub and port infrastructure in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. In addition, we plan to upgrade the Arctic coast harbours, including the river-sea traffic capabilities.

We will continue to update our icebreaker fleet and to increase the production of ice-class vessels. Three new nuclear-powered icebreakers, namely, the Arktika, the Sibir and the Ural, are being built here in St Petersburg, where we are now. By 2035, Russia’s Arctic fleet will operate at least 13 heavy-duty linear icebreakers, including nine nuclear icebreakers.

To reiterate, our goal is to make the Northern Sea Route safe and lucrative for shippers, and appealing both in terms of the quality of services and price. In particular, the icebreaker escort fee must be competitive and reasonable. The state invests in this operation in order to minimise the tariff burden on carriers and other businesses.

Friends, we intend to use all of our investment support tools, including those that we have used successfully under programmes for the development of Russia’s Far Eastern regions, to launch new projects. These will include lower profit tax rates, reduced severance tax coefficients for mineral extraction, a notifying procedure for VAT refunds and a simplified procedure for providing land plots and invariable terms for implementing investment projects. 

At the same time, with due consideration for the Arctic’s peculiarities, investors should and will receive more advanced and more stable preferences here.

I would now like to address our colleagues. The Government of Russia, as well as experts and the business community, have been instructed to draft a federal law on a special system of preferences for the Arctic zone’s investors. And I am asking you to do this quickly so Russia’s State Duma can pass the law during its fall session. 

I would like to draw your attention to one more point. As you may know, the powers of the Ministry for the Development of Russia’s Far East have been expanded; now, the Arctic is also within its authority and is part of its responsibility. In this connection, it is logical to expand the work of Far Eastern development institutions to the Arctic as well. If necessary, we will expand the capitalisation of the Far East Development Fund for selective financing of Arctic projects.

Furthermore, we need a powerful research, HR and technological foundation for the region’s comprehensive development and for accomplishing unique and unconventional tasks in the high latitudes. We have begun establishing science and education centres in various Russian regions; they integrate the capabilities of universities, research institutes, the business community and the real economy. One of our Arctic regions will certainly receive such a centre that will ensure the development of fundamental research and will help address the applied and practical tasks of developing the Arctic.

We believe that the future belongs to active academic and university exchanges, international research teams and alliances of high-tech companies. We invite all our colleagues to take part in joint projects in shipbuilding, navigation safety, environmental protection, minerals production and bioresources harvesting.

The Arctic offers us immense challenges. And we can only respond effectively if we do it together. One such challenge, as I have told you, is to maintain balance between economic development and preservation of the Arctic environment, conservation of its unique and fragile ecosystems, and, of course, clean-up of the environmental damage accumulated through the economic activity in the past decades, which was extensive from time to time. We have been conducting a major clean-up of Arctic areas for a number of years. Starting in 2012, we have removed and utilised over 80,000 metric tonnes of waste.

In the coming years we will liquidate six major environmental damage sites in Arkhangelsk and Murmansk regions, in the Nenets Autonomous Area, Karelia and Yakutia as part of the Clean Country federal project. We are also to clean up over 200 square kilometres in the Kola Bay area.

We will also develop a system of specially protected natural territories and reserves. Above all, I mean the Russian Arctic national park. It is important to take additional measures to develop civilised ecotourism and build the required infrastructure there.

To conclude, I would like to thank all the participants and guests of our forum. I am certain that our constructive dialogue will help strengthen neighbourly relations and trust in the Arctic region, which means the peaceful and sustainable development of the Arctic.

Thank you.

Russia’s air traffic service has announced that the country plans to perform a missile test from vessels in northern Norwegian Sea this week, Norwegian media reported Monday.

The test is to take place off the Andoya Island in northern Norwegian Sea between April 11 and 14, according to the Russian authorities’ Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), newspaper VG reported.

“We register that they want to establish a NOTAM area west of Lofoten. They have their full right to it as there are international airspace and waters,” said Lieutenant Colonel Ivar Moen, spokesman for the operational headquarters of the Norwegian Armed Forces.

According to news agency NTB, Russia announced similar activities outside the Norwegian coast when Norway was the host country for the NATO exercise Trident Juncture in October and November last year.

President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin has sent a welcome to the participants and guests of ‘Arctic – Territory of Dialogue’ 5th International Arctic Forum. 

The President wished them all successful and fruitful work at the Forum and noted that, today, exploitation and harmonious development of the Arctic, preservation of its unique nature and traditions are important and vital challenges.

“Russia is striving unfailingly to consolidate collaboration with the states of the Arctic region. I am convinced that, only together, we will be able to turn the Arctic into a territory of peace, stability and partnership. The current meeting’s topic ‘The Arctic. An Ocean of Opportunity’, reflects fully our readiness for such multifaceted, equal co-operation”, Vladimir Putin emphasised.

Participants in the session ‘Comprehensive Scientific and Technical Programmes and Projects for the Development of the Arctic: A Dialogue between Potential Partners’ at the International Arctic Forum will discuss which comprehensive, scientific, and technical objectives should be resolved on a priority basis for the sustainable development of the Arctic region. Speakers include Russian First Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Grigory Trubnikov, Russian Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Alexey Besprozvannykh, Director of the Rosneft Department for Scientific and Technological Development and Innovations Alexander Pashali, and Vice President of the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) and Director of the Finnish Environment Institute’s Marine Research Centre Paula Kankaanpaa.

«One of the main objectives of the Strategy for the Scientific and Technological Development of the Russian Federation is to promote international scientific and technical cooperation and international integration in such areas as research and technological development. Integrated scientific and technical programmes and projects with the full innovation cycle are one of the main tools for implementing scientific and technological development priorities. The international dialogue among the scientific and technical community at the IAF site will make it possible to combine the efforts of the concerned countries to accelerate the pace of development of the Arctic region», Trubnikov said.

Panellists in the session include Science and Innovations (the Scientific Division of Rosatom State Corporation) First Deputy Director General Alexey Dub, Head of the Bioenergy Scientific and Technical Complex at the Kurchatov Institute Research and Development Centre Raif Vasilov, Deputy Director of the Space Research Institute at the Russian Academy of Sciences Yevgeny Lupyan, Rector of the University of Tromsø — The Arctic University Anne Husebekk, and Rector of the University of Oulu Jouko Niinimäki.

«Our job is to look at the current challenges and understand how they can be solved in the next 10–15 years as well as which scientific and technical problems that are relevant to the sustainable development of the Arctic region may be the subject of international cooperation and collaboration», Rector of the Moscow Aviation Institute and Chairman of the Commission for the Development of Education and Science at the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation Mikhail Pogosyan said.

Specific aspects of building in permafrost conditions will be discussed at the ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ 5th International Arctic Forum. The discussion will be attended by Russian Minister of Construction, Housing, and Utilities Vladimir Yakushev, Director of the Federal Agency on Technical Regulation and Metrology (Rosstandart) Alexey Abramov, and Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Regional Policy and Problems of the North and the Russian Far East Vladimir Pushkarev.

The Arctic regions are strategically important territories for Russia. At present, major projects for the modernization and reconstruction of the social, industrial, housing, transport, and other infrastructure of the Arctic require new construction regulations that take into account the extreme permafrost conditions.

«In 2019, Russia will continue to update its regulatory framework in construction, primarily as regards the introduction of new materials and technologies. Our job is to develop a regulatory framework for design and construction in the Arctic zone. Considering that our country’s promising oil and gas producing areas are shifting more and more to the Arctic regions, it is strategically important to develop new construction technologies that can be used in the conditions of the Far North», Adviser to the Russian President Anton Kobyakov said.

The Arctic regions have a number of specific features that make it difficult or impossible to develop and build infrastructure for oil and gas companies solely using technologies that have previously been tested at existing fields. Manmade impacts are radically changing the thermal state of rocks in the Arctic zone, which contributes to processes that increase the risk of the deformation or destruction of buildings.

«The remoteness from industrialized regions, the lack of developed infrastructure and the inability to build it quickly as well as unfavourable geo-climatic and challenging engineering and geological conditions all create significant difficulties for the development of Arctic regions. Our job is to find ways to minimize all kinds of burdens on the environment, both during the construction and operation of facilities. To achieve this goal, modern technical solutions that optimize all aspects of interaction with the environment need to be developed and applied, including the use of minimally manned, energy-saving, and eco-friendly technologies», Yakushev said

The development of Russia’s Arctic shelf is one of the state’s long-term strategic goals for the coming decades. The government is conducting expert evaluations of projects for the construction of offshore ice-resistant platforms, the reconstruction of individual platforms, construction of wells from oil and gas production platforms, underwater mining facilities, offshore infield and onshore pipelines, and offshore fixed and floating shipping terminals. Such projects include the Prirazlomnaya offshore ice-resistant platform in the Pechora Sea, the Northern Lights and Polar Star floating drilling rigs, and Lukoil’s stationary offshore ice-resistant shipping dock in the Pechora Sea that can handle the transhipment of up to 12 million tonnes of oil per year.

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The development of the Arctic’s transport infrastructure will be one of the main themes of the ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ 5th International Arctic Forum. The importance of thoroughly developing logistics in the Arctic region has been repeatedly emphasized during meetings of the Forum’s Organizing Committee and working groups. Building an effective system of air transport services in the Arctic regions and establishing modern transport and logistics hubs will create the basis for the sustainable development of the Arctic economy as a whole. The development of the light aircraft industry will make air transportation in Russia’s Arctic zone more accessible.

The ‘Coastal Territories’ business programme will feature a session titled ‘Aircraft First: Developing the Aviation Sector in the Arctic’, which will be attended by representatives of the Russian Ministry of Transport. The session participants will discuss the feasibility of organizing regular air travel in the region as well as domestic and international flights. Intensifying and developing the air transportation system is one of the top priorities that needs to be addressed to expand opportunities for transportation in the Arctic as a whole. The discussion participants will share the latest data on the development of the airfield network and also devote special attention to the air fleet. Russia is currently developing advanced equipment for the needs of small regional aircraft, including equipment that can operate on unpaved airfields, as well as ground effect vehicles and seaplanes. The session will also address the issue of satellite support since Russia is planning to set up full satellite coverage of the Arctic in the very near future.

“According to the Strategy for the Development of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation and Ensuring National Security for the Period until 2020, which was approved by Vladimir Putin, there is a shortage of airplanes, aircraft equipment, and technological capabilities to study and use the Russian Arctic”, Adviser to the Russian President Anton Kobyakov said, underscoring the importance of this theme. “In this regard, we need to develop a programme to transition to an innovative path of expanding the industry’s capabilities in order to create a powerful development trend for the regional economy. I am certain that we will accomplish a lot in this regard during the relevant events of the International Arctic Forum 2019 business programme”.

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