Minister Väyrynen: Arctic action should be founded on cooperation
Press release 128/2010
27 April 2010
Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Paavo Väyrynen calls for cooperation between the stakeholders in Arctic action, rather than taking competing positions. The Minister considers the Commission Communication of 2008 on the Arctic as the first clear indicator of willingness to create a holistic Arctic policy for the EU in view of promoting cooperation in the interest of the northern regions.
“Creating a common EU policy also reinforces cooperation between the Arctic states and other stakeholders. As an expert of northern challenges and regions Finland has a lot to contribute,” said Minister Väyrynen in his opening address at the 6th annual high-profile Arctic Shipping Summit, started on Tuesday, 27 April.
Väyrynen sees development of passages as a pivotal component in arctic cooperation and regional development, where the shipping sector plays an important role.
“Severe northern winters have given rise to a world class northern shipping cluster. Roughly 60 percent of the world's icebreakers are made in Finland, and the cluster continuously develops more durable and efficient new solutions also in consideration of the environment,” Väyrynen pointed out.
Väyrynen highlighted the vulnerability of the Arctic nature and sustainable use of natural resources, where high-quality and state-of-the-art cleantech has a central role.
“We will have better access to natural resources when the marine passages are improved. However, we must bear in mind not to disturb the delicate Arctic environment and the local living conditions. Therefore any activities presume close cooperation between industrial life, authorities, researchers and representatives of civic society,” Minister Väyrynen concluded.
Further information: Päivi Nevala, Advisor to the Minister, tel. +358 9 160 56171 or +358 40 753 4375