Russian President Vladimir Putin said there is no room for geopolitical games between military blocs, for behind-the-scenes agreements or for struggles for spheres of influence in the Arctic, RIA Novosti said, quoting the Russian Security Council press service.

Putin said Russia was committed to peaceful Arctic exploration while observing its national interests and respecting those of other countries.

"I'm convinced that the Arctic should be an area for open and equal dialogue based on integral undivided security and a place where there is no room for geopolitical games of military blocs, for behind-the-scenes agreements or for struggles for spheres of influence. Russia is committed to peaceful Arctic exploration while observing its national interests and respecting those of other countries," said the president in his greetings to participants at the Arctic Council conference.

The sixth conference of representatives of the Arctic Council member states and observer delegates is taking place on August 30-September 1 aboard the Russian nuclear icebreaker 50 Years of Victory. Participants will travel from Anadyr to Pevek on the icebreaker.