“Here in the High North, climate change is not a fanciful idea – it is already a reality – a reality that brings with it a certain number of challenges, including for NATO”, the Secretary General said in last Wednesday’s meeting in Reykjavik, Iceland. “And although the long-term implications of climate change and the retreating ice cap in the Arctic are still unclear, what is very clear is that the High North is going to require even more of the Alliance’s attention in the coming years”, he added.
He also underlined that NATO has a clear role to play with regard to the increased shipping activity and the increased risk of ecological disasters in the Arctic region.
Commenting on relations with Russia and international cooperation in the region, the general secretary highlighted that “the solid foundation of cooperation which exists between the Arctic countries should continue”.
He also signaled a rapid improvement of relations with Russia. “[…] once the conditions are right for resuming normal business with Russia in the NATO-Russia Council, and I hope we will see that development soon, I see merit in using that particular forum for including Russia in wider cooperation, and also as vital element in building mutual confidence.”
He also gave credit to Norway and the country’s Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre for enlightening the organization on Arctic issues.
The NATO leader highlighted the role of the Arctic Council as body for international Arctic cooperation.
Read the whole speech at Nato.int
