Russia is prioritizing the development of Arctic territories and efforts to expand its research presence in Antarctica, while also aiming to strengthen international cooperation in these regions.

Vladimir Putin sent greetings to participants of the International Forum Arctic and Antarctic Days in Moscow. His message reads, in part: “Russia invariably devotes priority attention to the coordinated and comprehensive development of Arctic territories and to expanding the presence of Russian science in Antarctica. Our goal is to strengthen international cooperation in these regions of the planet and to implement joint programmes in the most diverse spheres.”

The President also said that “a new and outstanding page in the history of developing the Arctic opened this year. In September, members of the North Pole-41 scientific expedition started working aboard a self-propelled ice-resistant platform. This high-tech project is focused on monitoring the region’s environment all year round, creating the necessary conditions for the demanding and heroic work of polar explorers.”

He added that “much remains to be done for creating a state permafrost monitoring system. This is extremely important for reducing climate and environmental risks, facilitating the sustainable development of our northern cities and towns and successfully implementing major industrial and infrastructure projects.”

“And, of course, large-scale work will continue in Antarctica. For example, we are quickly building a new Russian wintering complex at the Vostok station. The complex will provide Russian scientists with an excellent opportunity to conduct full-scale research on the White Continent using modern infrastructure,” Putin concluded.