ARKHANGELSK, August 13 (HS/RIA Novosti) - Russia is open to pragmatic cooperation in the Arctic with all those who are ready for a respectful dialogue, provided that its sovereign rights in the region are upheld, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday.

Our country remains consistently open to pragmatic cooperation in the Arctic with all those who are ready for a respectful dialogue, taking into account Russia's sovereign rights in the region, Lavrov said in his welcome address at the fourth edition of the Arctic-Regions Forum.

The fourth edition of the annual Arctic-Regions Forum is taking place in the northern Russian city of Arkhangelsk from August 13-14. The event focuses on discussions of shipbuilding, Northern Sea Route logistics, communications and environmental protection in Russia's northern regions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar