The Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) might receive voting rights in the Arctic Council. Craig Fleener, Alaska governor's assistant on Arctic policy, mentioned the possibility at a meeting in Fairbanks with Minister of Federal Relations and External Affairs of Yakutia Vladimir Vasilyev, the NIA-Yakutsk news agency reported.

During the meeting, the parties emphasized the need to strengthen the role of governors and prime ministers in regional cooperation with a focus on cooperation in economy and business.

The sides also discussed issues related to ensuring a stable energy supply for residential areas and environmental protection matters.

Vasilyev, in particular, made the presentation, "Prospects for the Development of Electric Power and Renewable Energy Sources in the Arctic Regions of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)."

Vasilyev visited Fairbanks upon the invitation of Alaska's newly elected governor Bill Walker.