Russian President Vladimir Putin greeted the participants and guests of the Arctic Days in Moscow Federal Arctic Forum. In the message posted on the Kremlin website on Wednesday, the president noted that Russia is consolidating its comprehensive presence in this strategically important region while also paying attention to environmental protection.

"The Arctic plays a strategic role for Russia. Today, we are reinforcing our presence in the region, implementing scientific research initiatives and large programs for commercial and economic development, and turning our ambitious infrastructure projects into reality. We are also well aware of the importance of preserving the environment and the natural diversity of the polar and subpolar territories," the message reads.

Putin mentioned the forum's busy agenda and the participants' professional and practical approach. The president believes that it is essential to take advantage of the intellectual and creative potential of such expert venues in developing the Arctic Region.

"I expect that the discussions will result in concrete ideas and proposals that will be relevant and will serve the stable and environmentally sustainable development of the Arctic territories," the president wrote in conclusion.

The Arctic Days in Moscow Federal Arctic Forum runs November 21-25 at several venues. The forum will involve over a dozen business and cultural events related to the Arctic. More details on the forum's schedule and the latest updates can be found on its official website http://arctic-days.ru/. The main aim of the forum is to draw public attention to the natural, historical and cultural sites of the Arctic and to raise the profile of Russia's Extreme North as a tourist destination.  Rossiya Segodnya and Arctic.ru are the forum's information partners.