Moscow does not rule out that Western countries will return to cooperation with Russia on Arctic issues, but it is too early to discuss this, Russian Ambassador to Norway Nikolay Korchunov told RIA Novosti.

'We do not rule out that common sense will prevail and eventually compel Western countries to return to full-scale cooperation in high latitudes to ensure sustainable development of the Arctic region. But it is premature to discuss this at present,' he said in an interview with the agency.

Korchunov pointed out that the absence of a comprehensive pan-Arctic dialogue leads to reduced effectiveness of existing decision-making mechanisms among Arctic states, including on non-military issues relevant to the entire region. This 'creates a space of uncertainty and vacuum that other players, primarily from outside the region, will seek to fill,' he noted.

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