Putin invites royalties to Arkhangelsk
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is inviting both the Prince of Wales and Crone Prince Haakon of Norway to Arkhangelsk to the opening of the 2nd International Arctic Forum.
Both the two royalties have reportedly been invited to the event which takes place in September. Among the honored international guests is also Tarja Halonen, the President of Finland.
Participation of European Royal families is becoming a tradition at the International Arctic Forum. Last year, when the Forum was held in Moscow, the most distinguished guest attending was Albert II, Prince of Monaco.
This year’s Forum agenda will be focused on issues of international cooperation in Arctic transport route development, and first of all transportation of goods along the Northern Sea Route and the Northwest Passage. The Arctic Forum participants are also going to discuss other issues related to cargo flows development in Arctic.
The preliminary program obtained by BarentsObserver shows that the forum will include presentations of the Belkomur railroad, the transport corridor Skovorodino-Yakutsk-Tiksi, the modernization of the sea ports of Arkhangelsk, Murmansk and Pevek, and the development of Arctic aviation.
The second day of the conference will be devoted to the possibilities of international cooperation in provision of environmental safety in the Arctic, prevention of emergency situation and development of rescue services.
The International Arctic Forum will be held in Arkhangelsk on September 22-23.
Text: Andrey Shalyov
