Russia will continue to implement projects within the framework of the Arctic Council with an emphasis on the Russian regions, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in comments on the decision of the councils member countries to resume activities on its projects without Russias participation. «For its part, Russia, as the undisputed main factor in the Arctic and the current chairman of the Arctic Council, consistently continues to implement projects that our country has initiated with an emphasis on the Russian regions, which aim to promote the sustainable socioeconomic development of our Arctic zone, improve the well-being of all its inhabitants, including indigenous peoples, collaborate to preserve the unique Arctic ecosystems that affect the health of our planet, protect the interests and rights of the indigenous peoples of the Arctic, promote contacts through young people, develop cultural ties, and create a humanitarian space in the Arctic,» Zakharova said in a statement posted on the website of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On 8 June 2022, the Arctic Councils western countries Denmark, Iceland, Canada, Norway, the United States, Finland, and Sweden issued a joint statement about their intention to resume the councils activities on its projects without Russias participation. On 3 March, all the Arctic Council member states, except for Russia, issued a written statement declaring their refusal to take part in meetings held as part of Russias chairmanship and on Russian territory. Zakharova said this rapid change in their decisions indicates that «attempts to isolate Russia in the Arctic are illusory, and our Western partners are trying to grasp at any ideas in order to create the impression that they have some kind of independent role in Arctic affairs.» Zakharova described this policy by Western countries in the Arctic as politicized, flawed, and not conducive to solving problems that affect the fate of all mankind. Russia is the chair of the Arctic Council in 20212023. The countrys comprehensive programme for its chairmanship involves promoting international cooperation in such priority areas as the population of the Arctic, including indigenous peoples, environmental protection, socioeconomic development as well as strengthening the Arctic Council itself. More than 100 events are planned to be held as part of Russias programme, and roughly 40 events have taken place so far. The Roscongress Foundation organizes the events of Russias chairmanship in the Arctic Council. Reference information: Official social media accounts of Russias chairmanship in the Arctic Council: VKontakte: vk.com/arctic_on Twitter: twitter.com/ArcticON1 Telegram: t.me/arcticonofficial Weibo: weibo.com/u/7728847725 WeChat ID: arcticonofficial
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