ARKHANGELSK, August 13. /TASS/. Russia remains committed to maintaining the Arctic as a zone of low tension, a goal emphasized by Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko at the 4th Arctic Regions Forum.

"Despite current international turbulence," Grushko stated, "if we consider the situation through the lens of international law and Russia's position, it is clear that there are no significant contentious issues in the Arctic." He explained that the continental shelf has been divided, and claims by other Arctic nations are under review by the relevant UN commission. "The process is highly depoliticized and based on clear, objective criteria. In our view, the Arctic should continue to be a region of low tensions, and we are actively working to ensure this remains the case."

Addressing the region's resource potential, Grushko noted that "today, a growing share of Russia's GDP is generated by the Arctic. This trend is set to continue. While our economy is expanding eastward, it is equally moving northward, reflecting the increasing importance of the Arctic to our national development."

TASS is the forum's general information partner.