Vladimir Putin has invited all interested countries to take part in developing the Northern Sea Route. Speaking at the opening of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, the Russian President said that soon navigation for ice-class freight vessels via the Northern Sea Route would be possible year-round.

“As for the Northern Sea Route, Russia offered its partners the opportunity to actively use its transit potential,” President Putin said at the forum. “More than that, we are inviting all interested countries to get directly involved in its development.”

The Russian president also said the Government planned to extend the federal railway system to the Yamal Peninsula and connect areas in the extreme North with the Trans-Siberian Railway and the Baikal-Amur Mainline.