1. The tenth Arctic Frontiers Conference took place in TromsØ, Norway, from January 24 through 29, bringing together approximately 1,800 people, including minister-level government delegates, entrepreneurs and experts from about 30 countries. On behalf of the Republic of Korea, a government delegation led by Ambassador for Arctic Affairs Kim Chan-woo as well as experts at the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI) and the Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI) attended the meeting.

2. At the conference, with the year 2016 marking the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Arctic Council, Foreign Minister BØrge Brende of Norway and the other participants reviewed the achievements of the Council over the past 20 years and shared various plans to prepare for the next twenty years.

3. With regard to business on the Arctic, the participants, including Minister of Petroleum and Energy Tord Lien of Norway, were united in underscoring the continued importance of petroleum, gas and other energy sources of the Arctic despite the recent fall in the international oil prices, as well as the need to start preparations now for the commercialization of Arctic routes.

4. Minister of Climate and Environment Vidar Helgesen of Norway and many other participants highlighted the need to pay attention to the new “Blue Possibilities” in order to attain the dual goals of maintaining the quality of life for future generations and reducing greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to the Paris Agreement on climate change.

◦ In this light, the participants selected a “Blue Future” as the theme of the eleventh Arctic Frontiers Conference in 2017.

5. During the conference, Ambassador for Arctic Affairs Kim Chan-woo attended a session on January 25 and another on January 26, where he informed the other participants of the ROK’s Arctic activities and presented the ROK’s recommendations on ways to develop the Arctic Council.

◦ The Ambassador, pointing out that the challenges and opportunities facing the Arctic are international issues concerning beyond the Arctic region, particularly highlighted the potential of non-Arctic observer countries to contribute in this regard in the scientific sector.

6. At the latest Arctic Frontiers Conference, the ROK broadly informed the international community of Arctic activities conducted by its Arctic Dasan Station and research icebreaker Araon, and expressed its willingness to take an active part in economic and commercial opportunities that the Arctic has to offer.


* unofficial translation