Canadian foreign ministry official: Canada, Russia have shared tasks in the Arctic, dialogue important
© RIA Novosti. Vera Kostamo

Canadian foreign ministry official: Canada, Russia have shared tasks in the Arctic, dialogue important

Canada and Russia have interests in the Arctic, including shared interests, hence the importance of engaging in interstate dialogue, said Alison LeClaire, Director General of the Canadian Foreign Ministry and Senior Arctic Official for Canada at the Arctic Council, TASS reported.

Arctic dialogue is crucial for both countries. It is complicated, yet interesting, and despite differences on some issues, communication channels between Russia and Canada should remain open, Ms LeClaire said during the Russia-Canada: Dialogue and Cooperation in the Arctic conference under way in Ottawa.

Ms LeClaire stressed the importance of cooperation within the Arctic Council, especially in view of climate change in the Arctic.