The telegram reads, in part:
“You will be discussing in detail the key challenges for development of the Arctic. The priorities in this area have already been laid out. These include the development of hydrocarbon reserves on the Arctic shelf, the integration of the Murmansk transport hub with European infrastructure and other important projects.
The successful realisation of these tasks will allow Russia to increase its economic potential and strengthen its position in international markets as a reliable partner, open to long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation.
I hope that this forum will provide another platform for a productive dialogue among leading economists, experts and representatives of business communities, promote the innovative development of the regional economy and facilitate the launch of promising international projects.”
The International Economic Forum is taking place in Murmansk from October 15 to 17, 2009. It is attended by over a thousand representatives of businesses, banks and academic institutions from Russia and seven other countries, as well as Foreign Ministers from Norway, Russia, Finland and Sweden who are in Murmansk to participate in a regular session of the Barents Euro-Arctic Council (BEAC).