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President Xi Jinping outlined the vision for an Ice Silk Road as he met with Russian Prime Minister. Could you elaborate on the plans of MOFCOM to build the Ice Silk Road?(2017-11-09)

In July this year, President Xi visited Russia and reached important agreement with Russian leader to explore the North Sea Route and build an Ice Silk Road. MOFCOM takes it as an important task in the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative with the Eurasia Economic Union. During the 22nd regular meeting of the two prime ministers not long ago, the two leaders had an in-depth exchange of views and reaffirmed the agreement to build an Ice Silk Road.

At present, China and Russia are having positive progress in the exploration of the Artic. First, COSCO Shipping has completed test sailings along the North Sea Route. Second, the transport authorities are discussing the MOU on China-Russia Maritime Cooperation in Polar Water, as an effort to improve the policy and legal framework for the development and cooperation in the Arctic. Third, the two businesses are working on the oil and gas exploration in the Arctic and exploring cooperation on transport infrastructure in the North Sea Route. MOFCOM is working with Russian Ministry of Economic Development to set up a dedicated working mechanism that coordinates the exploration of the North Sea Route, the resource development in the Arctic and cooperation in infrastructure, tourism, and science expeditions.

In the next step, MOFOCM will work with other authorities to deliver on the important agreement of the two leaders on the Ice Silk Road. We will advance the cooperation in the development of the North Sea Route and related areas and turn them into new highlights of the bilateral trade and economic cooperation. Thank you.

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