“There is
no doubt that the cooperation of our countries is of paramount importance to preserve the North, the Arctic and ensure the sustainable development of its
territories. Any forms of international cooperation are very useful, and one of the most important components of pan-European cooperation in northern Europe is
undoubtedly the Northern Dimension,” said Olga Epifanova
Olga Nilolaevna
.
In her opinion, the Northern Dimension Forum successfully complements other formats and mechanisms in northern Europe – the Barents Euro-Arctic Council, the Arctic Council, the Nordic Council of Ministers, the Council of the Baltic Sea States and cross-border and transboundary cooperation programs.
“It is necessary to facilitate the promotion of their efforts and coordination of their activity, to seek opportunities for joint work, not being limited to individual formats. For this, the Northern Dimension is the best fit,” the parliamentarian said.
She noted that the Strategy for the Development of the Marine Activities of the Russian Federation until 2030 should also play an important role in cooperation.
“The marine component is also of serious importance for the implementation of our common policy, especially cooperation in the field of the marine economy. We attach great importance to the activities of particular structures of the Northern Dimension, such as, for example, the Business Council and the Environmental Partnership. Active regional cooperation is the strong side of this Forum. We greatly appreciate the atmosphere of trust, mutual understanding and good neighborliness that has developed in the border areas. In general, we proceed from the fact that we are neighbors and we have all the opportunities, potential and resources to maintain effective international cooperation in the North of Europe,” the Deputy Chairwoman of the State Duma concluded.
