Finland's Ministry of the Interior is learning from Russian experience in equipping Arctic rescue teams, said Minister Paula Risikko during a meeting with Russian Minister of Emergency Situations Vladimir Puchkov.

"We have used Russia's experience to support our own solutions, in particular concerning the replacement of equipment for the rescue group currently operating in the Arctic," she said, according to RIA Novosti.

She also expressed hope that Russia will bring its experience and knowhow to ​​cooperation between the Arctic states. "Arctic cooperation is an important platform for interaction. Finland will take over the chairmanship of the Arctic Council in May 2017, and will simultaneously chair the Arctic Economic Council and the Arctic Coast Guard Forum," Risikko said.

She added that the program of the Finnish chairmanship will focus on climate issues and sustainable development of the Arctic.

Russia's emergencies minister proposed expanding the format of cooperation as part of the Arctic Council. "The Emergencies Ministry of Russia has a new strategy and approach to dealing with emergencies and ensuring the safety of the population that lives in the Arctic zone. We are implementing infrastructure projects in these latitudes and I think Russia and Finland's cooperation in this area will be useful and constructive," he added.