MURMANSK. March 26 (Interfax) - The Arctic's strategic importance for Russia is growing amid the current military-political situation, Russian presidential aide and Maritime Board Chairman Nikolai Patrushev said.
"Taking into account the current military-political situation, the Arctic's strategic importance for Russia is growing, both for solidifying our country's international standing and for its internal development," Patrushev said at a joint meeting of the Russian State Council's commissions addressing a comprehensive approach toward the Arctic's development and the forming of a national project titled The Arctic and the Northern Sea Route, as part of the 6th Arctic: Territory of Dialogue International Arctic Forum.
"Accelerating the Arctic zone's economic and infrastructural development and retaining our country's sovereignty over the Arctic territory and the Northern Sea Route and the shelf are critically important for ensuring our national interests and security in the Arctic," Patrushev said.
"Despite serious changes in the geopolitical situation in the world and the unprecedented sanctions on Russia, our plans for developing the Arctic must be implemented," Patrushev said.