Russia Backs Program Of Upcoming Chairmanship Of Iceland In Arctic Council -Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

Moscow supports the program of the forthcoming chairmanship of Iceland in the Arctic Council, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday, adding that Moscow was, in particularly, impressed by Reykjavik's projects, concerning environmentally friendly shipping and the fight against marine debris

ST.PETERSBURG (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th April, 2019) Moscow supports the program of the forthcoming chairmanship of Iceland in the Arctic Council, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday, adding that Moscow was, in particularly, impressed by Reykjavik's projects, concerning environmentally friendly shipping and the fight against marine debris.

The Chairmanship of the Arctic Council rotates every two years among the body's members. Finland, which has chaired the organization since 2017, will pass the authority to Iceland this May.

"[Russia] positively assesses the results of Finland's chairmanship in this organization. A month later a new captain will ascend the command bridge of the Arctic ship and it is Iceland. I am sure that the Icelandic partners will be able to successfully cope with this responsible mission. We support Iceland's chairmanship program, in which special emphasis is placed on the problems of the sea," the minister stressed, speaking at the International Arctic Forum.

Russia is particularly impressed with the plans of the Icelandic chairmanship toward environmentally friendly shipping, as well as the fight against marine debris and ocean acidification, the minister added.

Lavrov noted that the chairmanship of the council would pass to Russia in 2021.

"The Arctic is, first of all, people, including indigenous peoples. During the Russian presidency, we will ensure that their interests are promoted as we compose the programs for the integrated balanced development of the region in three spheres - economy, social sphere and ecology," Lavrov emphasized.

The 5th International Arctic Forum, which is taking place in the Russian city of St. Petersburg on Tuesday and Wednesday, is a platform for discussing issues for social-economic development of the Arctic region. The key theme of the current forum is "The Arctic: An Ocean of Opportunity." The participants are due to discuss coastal regions, the open ocean zone and sustainable development of the Arctic.

Rossiya Segodnya International Information Agency is one of the general media partners of the event.