Speech of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the Meeting of Council of Heads of the Russian Federation Constituents at Russian Foreign Ministry, Moscow, 30 May 2012

Dear Colleagues,

We start the 19th meeting of the Council of Heads of the Russian Federation Constituents at Russian Foreign Ministry. The topic of this meeting is currently central and dedicated to the participation of Russian constituents in the realization of the programme of projects in the framework of International Arctic cooperation, including international organizations line.

Importance and ever-growing interest to arctic matters of virtually all states, however, is obvious. In 2008, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev approved the "Principles of State Policy of the Russian Federation in the Arctic up to 2020 and for Further Prospects". They clearly and publicly stated our interests and direction for their legal provision on the basis of international law. We are open for international cooperation on mutually agreed terms.

We are interested to provide the Arctic region with sustainable development and creation of high quality and comfortable living accommodations in harsh northern conditions while preserving the traditions and economic set-up of indigenous peoples of the North.

We must also take into account the unique identity of these peoples in development of social sphere and formation of information environment. The solution of this problem should contribute to the implementation of Russian initiative for an International Polar Decade, which meets the growing support. I am confident we will achieve the desired results.

Many Russian regions represented in the Council actively participate in international cooperation. Among them are Arkhangelsk and Murmansk regions, Nenets and Yamal-Nenets autonomous districts, Krasnoyarsk region, the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Today, we shall take a look at what is being done at the regional level, how it fits into a nation-wide line, and which are the additional opportunities for their effective implementation in this area for the benefit of our country and Russian citizens.

Today at the meeting, we will also briefly discuss the implementation of decisions of previous meeting (December 2011) which was devoted to the regional dimension of cooperation between Russia and European Union.