Leading Countries to Take Part in the International Arctic Forum 2019

On 18 February a special presentation of the ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ 5th International Arctic Forum was held in Moscow for the diplomatic corps of Arctic Council members and observer states.

Among the participants of the meeting were Ambassador-at-large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Nikolai Korchunov, Deputy Minister for the Development of the Russian Far East Alexander Krutikov, Deputy CEO of the Roscongress Foundation Armen Khachatrian, as well as representatives of Arctic Council members and observer states.

The management of the Forum organizer provided the meeting with exhaustive information on the business programme preparation process, partnership opportunities, as well as the mission and the key goals of the International Arctic Forum 2019. The main theme of the upcoming Forum is ‘The Arctic. An Ocean of Opportunities’.

Nikolai Korchunov thanked all participants for their interest for this high-profile forum aimed at strengthening of a constructive dialogue and said that the international cooperation in the Arctic region is the key driver of the region’s development. “The ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ International Arctic Forum is one of the largest global platforms on Arctic and is aimed, above all, at strengthening international partnership for sustainable development of the region and its inhabitants. The Forum will offer a great opportunity for our partners from the Arctic Council, representatives of other interested countries, as well as nongovernmental and international organizations, businesses and academic circles, to discuss the topical issues and challenges of the Arctic region and map out ways to solve them. We hope that the work of the International Arctic Forum and of each participant contributes to building of peace, stability and constructive cooperation in the Far North,” said Nikolai Korchunov.

Alexander Krutikov presented the key vectors of the Arctic economic growth to the participants and emphasized the importance of development of business projects. “The programme of the International Arctic Forum 2019 will cover the whole range of areas for development of Arctic regions,” said Alexander Krutikov. “Experts, businessmen and heads of relevant agencies invited to participate in the Forum’s sessions and discussions will focus both on the current situation and the near-term opportunities for using these territories.”

The business programme architecture is to be confirmed shortly. Three key sections of the programme will cover the full range of economic, social and environmental issues for the development of the Arctic region. Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation Anton Kobyakov commented on the outcomes of the special presentation, underlining the importance of cooperation with the international community: “The number of potential participants of the International Arctic Forum 2019 interested in the business programme has exceeded the initially planned quantity by almost three times. We genuinely believe that creation of international projects in the Arctic will provide ground for a breakthrough increase in trade and economic relations between Russia and leading world countries and generally improve the business climate and geopolitical situation. We hear a lot about global threats and risks, but we would like to create positive agenda and set a precise vector to improve the global economic environment.”