Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent his greetings to the participants and organizers of the 6^th International Forum The Arctic: Present and Future, which opened in St. Petersburg on December 5. The event was organized by the Association of Polar Explorers, a non-profit organization.

"Established 25 years ago, the Association of Polar Explorers does a lot to attract the attention of public authorities, public organizations and businesses to polar issues. The organization actively participates in international educational environmental projects and implements highly needed projects to provide social support to people living and working in the Extreme North, to protect their legitimate rights and interests," the message says.

"It is certainly important that the polar veterans keep alive the traditions established by pioneers and make significant contributions to enhancing the prestige of polar professions, that they generously share their knowledge and valuable experience with young people," said the association's president, Arthur Chilingarov, as he read out Vladimir Putin's message to the participants.

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, chairman of the State Commission on Arctic Development, also sent a message to the participants of the forum. "The Russian government needs help from the public and businesses in improving the legal framework and the Arctic development program. This forum provides an important discussion platform where all participants can share their experiences and work out their initiatives. I am sure that during the forum, you will work out proposals which will form the basis for new bills," Rogozin said in his message.