German Shirokov, an aide to the Governor of St. Petersburg, has been appointed head of the Committee on Arctic Affairs, according to St. Petersburg Deputy Governor Mikhail Kucheryavy.

A proposal to set up such a committee was approved in late 2017.

"Proceeding from the long-term interests of our state, we decided to create this body at the Government of St. Petersburg to coordinate matters related to the development of the Arctic so that the experience gained by our region could be put to use. We are ready to share it and want to integrate our enterprises into Arctic development processes with maximum effect for the scientific and technological potential of St. Petersburg," St. Petersburg Governor Georgy Poltavchenko said, announcing the decision.