Reference News Network, December 24 report: According to TASS, on December 24, Alexander Gusharov, head of the North Atlantic Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, told the Russian newspaper "Izvestia" that Russia believes the United States is interested in jointly developing the Arctic.

Gusharov said: "We have received signals from the U.S. indicating their interest in discussing joint development of the Arctic. However, there is still a long way to go between vague statements about the prospects of cooperation and actual project collaboration." He said that the U.S. current actions mainly include increasing NATO military presence near Russia's borders, imposing unilateral sanctions on Russia, and "many other unfriendly actions." These actions are largely due to the legacy of previous U.S. administrations.

Gusharov pointed out that Russia is the largest Arctic country. When answering a journalist's question about whether the U.S. and Russia are discussing specific projects, he said: "Our position is consistent and constructive: viewing the Arctic as a field for dialogue, peaceful cooperation, and sustainable development. We are willing to cooperate with all relevant parties, including the United States, on an equal footing, with mutual respect, and strictly in accordance with international law."

He also said: "In 2022, when Washington adopted a comprehensive confrontation policy and sought to contain Russia at all costs, the Arctic unfortunately became one of the regions where this destabilizing policy was implemented, and the way it was implemented was quite unseemly for policymakers. I am referring to Western countries led by the United States refusing to participate in events held by Russia during its term as chair of the Arctic Council. Now, according to our understanding, the situation may be changing."

Gusharov believes that the Trump administration announced a pragmatic attitude, and was more open to direct discussions on specific topics of mutual benefit. He said: "In this context, the dialogue on the Arctic seems to be quite natural and promising - from shipping safety to scientific research, there are many points of contact objectively. We maintain cautious expectations for untangling the accumulated issues." (Translated by He Yingjun)

Original: toutiao.com/article/7587354546180751922/

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