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Cooperate for greater influence in the Arctic

19.10.15 | Nyhet
Höskuldur Þórhallsson
Photographer
norden.org/Heidi Orava
Speaking at the Nordic Nexus breakout-session at the Arctic Circle in Reykjavik, the President of the Nordic Council, Mr. Höskuldur Þórhallsson, stated “that we should preserve the open and pragmatic way of cooperating that has characterised Arctic politics since the end of the Cold War. With increasing tension in European geopolitics, the conciliatory role of the Arctic Council becomes even more important than before”.

All five Nordic countries are members of the Arctic Council. The Nordic Council has passed number of resolution supporting increased Nordic cooperation with respect to the challenges in the Arctic. Mr. Þórhallsson repeated the Council’s call on the governments of the five Nordic countries, that all are members of the Arctic Council, to develop and adopt an Arctic strategy that looks to the future and is robust enough to enable the Nordic countries to exert greater influence on issues of importance for developments in the Arctic region.  

 Mr. Þórhallsson voiced support for sustainable development that safeguards the living standards of the Arctic people stating that “the key issue is to find a balance between the rights and needs of the people living in the Arctic, the exploitation of the natural resources and protection of the fragile natural environment. A development where the interest of the international community and businesses leads to the devastation of local community’s traditional livelihoods such as fishing, hunting, truism and local crafts, must be avoided.” He also called for an agreement at the climate conference (COP21) in Paris in December that can halt dangerous climate change, of outmost importance to the people of the North.   

The Nordic Council gathers for the annual Session also in Reykjavik from October 27th-28th.