LONDON, Jan 14 (KUNA) -- British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper said on Wednesday that Britain, along with its allies, is working to strengthen Arctic Defense to deter threats posed by Russia and other "hostile states".
In a ministerial press release ahead of touring the Arctic Circle to inspect the UK's efforts to bolster regional security, Cooper said, "Britain is stepping up on Arctic security. With our allies, we are working to strengthen Arctic defences and deter any attempts from the likes of Vladimir Putin to threaten our interests and our infrastructure." "Arctic security is a critical transatlantic partnership issue for the security of Britain and NATO," she stated.
Meanwhile, Cooper indicated that as climate change continues to impact the Arctic, the region will become a critical frontier for NATO.
The UK foreign secretary's tour will see her going to Finland and Norway and as part of Britain's efforts to "highlight the importance of stronger challenge against hostile states who seek to meddle in the High North." "She will call on NATO to step up its work in the Arctic to protect Euro-Atlantic interests in the region," according to the press release.
The UK sees Russian actions as the "greatest threat" to Arctic security via efforts to militarize the region, as climate change is shifting the Northern Sea Route, creating new shipping routes and exposing resources, which make it a hotspot for geopolitical competition. (end) gta.seo