POBNEWS24,Dhaka Aug 27, 2022 : The US plans to appoint an ambassador amid Russia’s growing military presence in the Arctic. This will be the first appointment of a US ambassador to the region.
US State Department spokesman Vedanta Patel said the ambassador-at-large would be appointed to advance US government policy in the Sumeru (North Pole) region.
The news came after Jens Stoltenberg, head of the US-led military alliance NATO last Friday, warned of Russian threats in the Arctic region.
Stoltenberg also expressed concern about China’s presence in the Arctic.
US spokesman Vedanta Patel said the new US ambassador will liaise with the seven Arctic countries – Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Russia – as well as local indigenous groups and other stakeholders.
Vedanta Patel said peace and stability in the region was a “critical strategic issue” for the US and a priority for Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. Blinken will announce the ambassador soon. According to the rules, his appointment will be final in the Senate.
The US announcement comes amid increased Russian presence near the North Pole and the construction of China’s Arctic Research Center.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visited Canadian territory in the Arctic on Friday. There, he said, Russia’s capabilities in the Arctic region are a strategic challenge for the NATO alliance.
The new US Ambassador post will replace the previous post of Polar Coordinator. Professional diplomat Jim DeHart held this position.
Source: BBC
