The presidents of France and Russia have issued a joint statement on the importance of Arctic research.
They issued the statement to mark the 300th anniversary of the Russian city of St. Petersburg. Presidents Jacques Chirac and Vladimir Putin said Monday their countries believe the protection of indigenous peoples is important to sustainable development and environmental protection.
They stated their commitment to continued cooperation between Russia's State Polar Academy and France's Jean Malorie Polar Fund in those organizations' efforts to develop scientific and university exchanges.
They said Russia and France also attach great importance to the training of personnel for the Russian far north.