Governor of the Akhangelsk Region Igor Orlov commented on the region's role in Arctic exploration and on its current prospects at the third international Arctic Circle Forum, the regional government's press service reported.

"The Arctic for us means a rich history, serious reforms in the present and ambitious projects for the future," Orlov said at a forum session, entitled "Russia and The Arctic." "We are demonstrating, not in word but in deed that the Maritime Area is the doorway to the Arctic."

Orlov said the Arkhangelsk Region has been one of Russia's main platforms for Arctic research and exploration for centuries. "Since the 18^th century, over 200 Arctic expeditions have started off from Arkhangelsk," Orlov said. According to the governor, Arkhangelsk has retained its status and has remained a key port for the Russian government policy in Arctic exploration.

Orlov also elaborated on large-scale projects implemented in the Maritime Area, including the Belkomur railway to link Solikamsk and Arkhangelsk, which would create a shortcut for cargo deliveries from West Siberia and the Urals to the seaports of Arkhangelsk, Murmansk and St. Petersburg.

The third annual Arctic Circle Forum was held in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik on October 16-18.