Putin Says Necessary To Discuss Safety Of Navigation, Environmental Protection In Arctic

BOCHAROV RUCHEY (Russia) (Pakistan Point news / Sputnik - 22nd August, 2018) Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that it was necessary to discuss the rules of economic activity, issues related to the safety of navigation, rescue operations in the Arctic region and joint efforts to preserve regional wildlife.

"We need to talk about the rules of economic activity, particularly [those applied] when implementing major projects. We need to discuss issues related to ensuring the safety of navigation in these latitudes, the organization of rescue operations, including cases where there are unfavorable environmental," Putin said at a press conference after his talks with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto.

The Russian president also noted the possibility of discussing joint work with Finland on protecting Arctic fauna.

"I mean that many animals in the Arctic find themselves in difficult situations due to, for instance, the melting ice cap. Polar bears are already in danger," Putin added.

Putin also called Niinisto's proposal to use more environmentally friendly fuel in the Arctic an appropriate idea.