Russian Ambassador to China: Beijing is interested in the joint development of the Northern Sea Route

Russian Ambassador to China Morgulov said in an interview with RIA Novosti that regardless of the situation around Greenland, Russia and China will continue to expand cooperation in the field of Arctic transport corridors.

Morgulov stated that it can be inferred that some forces are not satisfied with Russia-China cooperation in the Arctic region, which has led to the formation of new transport corridors that they cannot control. Morgulov said, "But regardless of how the situation around Greenland develops, I am sure that this will not become an obstacle to expanding cooperation between Russia and China in this promising region."

Morgulov pointed out that Russia is currently actively developing the Northern Sea Route and is closely cooperating with friendly countries, including China, on the use of this route.

Morgulov mentioned, "Two years ago, the heads of state decided to establish a working group on the Northern Sea Route (Northern Sea Passage) within the preparatory committee for the regular meetings of the heads of government of Russia and China." He also added that one of the achievements of the working group was the approval of a roadmap aimed at achieving a cargo volume of 20 million tons along this route by 2030.

Morgulov said, "This not only involves the transportation sector, but also includes training polar ship professionals, building polar-class ships, constructing shipbuilding enterprises, and improving port logistics infrastructure."

Morgulov told RIA Novosti that Beijing has a strong interest in cooperating with Russia to develop the Northern Sea Route (NSR). According to him, Moscow and Beijing regard the Northern Sea Route as an important global transportation artery, as an alternative to the traditional southern freight transit route between Asia and Europe, and its development also opens up channels for promising Arctic projects.

Morgulov pointed out, "Our Chinese partners are very interested in this cooperation, and the container transshipment route opened in October last year between Ningbo in eastern China and European ports is evidence of this. This route has been named the 'Arctic Express'."

Morgulov also mentioned during the interview that Russia and China are maintaining close communication regarding the current situation in Ukraine, and he stated, "We are having regular dialogue with China on the situation in Ukraine, including through our diplomatic institutions - our diplomats maintain close contact in the capital and at international occasions on this issue."

Morgulov said, "Beijing insists on achieving a long-term and final resolution of the conflict by eliminating the root causes of the conflict, and welcomes the steps taken to seek political and diplomatic solutions, which is crucial."

Morgulov also revealed that work on implementing the Russia-China intergovernmental agreement on establishing the International Lunar Research Station is being carried out comprehensively. He made these remarks during an interview with several media outlets on Tuesday (10th), the Russian "Day of the Diplomat".

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1856805165513804/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author."