The negative rhetoric regarding the Russian presence in the Arctic region has subsided, because there is an understanding that it is very difficult to develop multilateral cooperation without Russia, Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Foreign Ministry Nikolai Korchunov said.
"The situation in the Arctic Council is really difficult, our partners have suspended cooperation with Russia. However, it cannot be said that the Arctic Council is no longer functioning. Norway, which became its chairman in 2023, is trying to restart the organization, and we are helping it with this matter. We hope that by the end of the year, some expert working groups will start working," Korchunov said.
Speaking about the prospects of cooperation between Russia and the BRICS countries in the Arctic, the diplomat said that China and India have an interest not only in minerals, but also in the development of ice navigation and shipbuilding.
In turn, Brazil, which is seeking an observer status in the Arctic Council, is primarily interested in mining projects, including offshore, since the country has suitable technologies. A quarter of Brazil's mineral fertilizers market is covered by exports from the Russian Arctic, Korchunov said.
After the suspension of cooperation with Western partners in 2022, Russia, as an Arctic state, turned towards "friendly" states, including the BRICS countries.: Brazil, India, China and South Africa, nia14.ru notes.
Alex Shishlo for Rough&Polished
