Northern Fleet strengthens international co-operation in Arctic

05.10.2010 Russian Navy contributes to development of cooperation among countries of Arctic region, reported Navy's spokesman on Monday.

"Navy command gives special attention to naval cooperation with Arctic states as mutual confidence strengthening activity. With this purpose Russian warships carry out official calls at Arctic countries and joint exercises with neighbor navies. Primarily, this function is laid upon Northern Fleet (NF)", said the Navy representative.

He reported that a number of similar activities had been held in 2009-2010.

For instance, NF submarine Magnitogorsk performed unofficial call to Bergen (Norway) in May 21-25. NF large ASW ship Severomorsk took part in Russo-Norwegian search-and-rescue exercise Pomor 2010 in July 4-12, 2010; Severomorsk paid official call at port Hokonsvern (Norway).

NF rescue tug SB-523 attended Russia-led international exercise Barents Rescue 2010 in June 9-10 with participation of Norwegian, Swedish, and Finnish search-and-rescue services.

Norwegian coast guard ship Otto Svertrup paid an official visit to NF main base Severomorsk in June 14-17, 2010.

"The existent hotline between Norway's main operational command and Russia's Northern Fleet command is one of the most important tool for rapid settling of all urgent problems in the region", said the interviewee.