Putin: Russia and China are ready to create a working body for the development of the Northern Sea Route

Russia and China declared their readiness to create a working body for the development of the Northern Sea Route (NSR). This statement was made by Russian President Vladimir Putin during extended negotiations between the delegations of Russia and China.

“We see cooperation with Chinese partners in developing the transit potential of the Northern Sea Route as promising. We are ready to create a joint working body for the development of the Northern Sea Route,” he said (quote according to TASS).

Putin also noted the importance of developing rail and road corridors in the direction of China-Europe and back through Russia. In addition, the launch of traffic on bridges will allow reducing the costs and terms of transporting goods between the Russian Federation and China, the Russian leader stressed. In June 2022 between Russia and China was opened the first automobile bridge across the Amur River.

Northern Sea Route runs along the northern coast of Russia and connects the European and Far Eastern ports of the Russian Federation, as well as the mouths of navigable Siberian rivers. Its length is about 5600 km.

At the beginning of August 2022 the government approved plan for the development of the NSR until 2035. The plan includes 150 activities that are included in five key sections: cargo base, transport infrastructure, cargo and icebreaking fleet, safety of navigation along the Northern Sea Route, as well as management and development of navigation along the NSR. 1.8 trillion rubles were allocated for the implementation of the plan.

The document separately emphasized the importance of developing the NSR in connection with anti-Russian sanctions, since it is necessary for the supply of Russian products to friendly countries and the import of goods to Russia.