President Putin emphasizes his country’s development plans.
On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the global importance of the Arctic and the Northern Sea Route as a strategic corridor at a time of disruptions in international trade chains.
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The Arctic has relevance for global ecology, for energy and raw materials complexes, and for logistics links, he pointed out.
“The importance of the Northern Sea Route as the safest, most reliable and efficient path is becoming increasingly evident in the context of failures in global transportation chains due to numerous conflicts, including the Middle West one,” the Russian leader stated.
Putin also noted that his country is willing to cooperate on issues related to the Arctic region despite geopolitical competition for the area. “It is not simply about competition and confrontation, but about collaborating with all interested countries,” he said.
Putin was emphatic in stating that Russia will protect its national interests in the Arctic, linking that goal to the preservation of stability and development.
“By maintaining peace and stability in this strategic region, we will ensure its long-term socioeconomic development, improve people’s quality of life, preserve the original culture of the Indigenous peoples of the north and conserve the Arctic’s unique natural environment,” he said.
The Russian president underscored that large-scale work is already underway, with projects for the extraction and processing of natural resources and the expansion of its production base.
“We are strengthening the Arctic logistics network, including seaports and river ports, railways and roads, as well as airports,” he said.
Putin also stated that plans are being developed and must be implemented to connect the Northern Sea Route with Russia’s railway network and inland waterways, in addition to expanding and building new port terminals and shipbuilding capacities.
“Of course, the key task is to improve the quality of life in the Arctic: to create modern conditions for studying, working, resting, and raising children,” he concluded.
[ SOURCE: teleSUR ]
