US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to arrive in Iceland in advance of Arctic Council meeting
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will arrive in Iceland today ahead of the 12th Arctic Council Ministerial meeting on May 20.
The Arctic Council, a regional cooperation forum, includes the US and Russia. Today’s meeting marks the end of Iceland’s two-year tenure as Council chair. Russia will assume the chairmanship next, stating that its term will prioritize sustainable development and the promotion of indigenous Arctic cultures.
One meeting outcome will be the adoption of a 10-year strategic plan guiding Arctic development and environmental protection. Rising temperatures mean the region is becoming a hotbed for geopolitical competition. Northern sea routes and untapped resources increasingly draw the interest of Arctic and non-Arctic states. The strategic plan will be critical in ensuring balanced development.
In Reykjavik, expect Russia to push for more rapid development, likely framing opportunities as economically uplifting for indigenous communities. A key component will be increasing Arctic shipping, a strategically advantageous area for Russia given its large icebreaker fleet. The US, with its far smaller fleet, will likely oppose increased maritime traffic, criticizing the environmental impact. Expect increased tensions over the next two years as Russia uses the chairmanship to further promote its Arctic development agenda, especially with oil and natural gas projects.
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