Arctic nations continue to work together successfully in the region despite the worsening political situation in the world, Director of the Natural Resources Ministry's International Cooperation Department Nuritdin Inamov said at the Arctic Frontiers international conference in the Norwegian city of Tromso, TASS reports.

"Despite the external circumstances, international cooperation in the Arctic is growing steadily, a process Russia is deeply involved in. We intend to develop and strengthen Arctic cooperation, agreeing that the political situation is a temporary factor while the Arctic is eternal," Inamov said.

Participants at last year's 9th Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting in Iqaluit, Canada, approved a framework plan for cooperation to prevent marine oil pollution in the Arctic and prepared a framework document to reduce methane and black soot emissions, he noted. In addition, the Arctic Council provides funds for research and nature protection projects in the region. Russian and foreign scientists conduct joint research on Spitsbergen (Svalbard) and in the Barents and Kara seas.