HELSINKI, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said Tuesday that the Arctic area must be viewed "in terms of the security policy."

Addressing a government seminar on Finland's future Arctic strategy, Marin noted that Finland wants to keep the Arctic area free of tensions and spheres of interest, and "we cannot close our eyes as we face changes."

She said that combating climate change is a key issue in the Arctic area. The climate is warming there twice as fast as in the northern hemisphere in general, and the changes impact weather phenomena far from the Arctic area.

She also said that the rights of the indigenous Sami minority will be included in the country's new Arctic strategy.

Noting that Sweden, Norway and Denmark are also updating their Arctic strategies, Marin underlined the importance of coordination. "This is important on account of the security policy questions," she said, while also referred to the European Union's plans to update its Arctic policy.

The prime minister said she hoped that the Arctic Council will remain "at the center of Arctic cooperation". She defined the role of the observer countries at the Council as "important and unique", and said the Council needs political support and resources.

The prime minister noted that Finland is a key actor in and beyond the Arctic region as Finland is also one of the 29 consultative members of parties to the Antarctic Treaty. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)