Azerbaijan, Baku, Sept. 16 / Trend /
The settlement of borders between Russia and Norway in the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean is a historic milestone in the two countries' history, Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg said in press release issued by the Norwegian Embassy in Azerbaijan today.
The treaty was signed in Murmansk, Russia, by the foreign ministers of Russia and Norway in the presence of Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
"This is a historic milestone. The treaty resolves what for several decades remained the most important outstanding issue between Norway and Russia," Stoltenberg said.
He expressed satisfaction that the sides have established the maritime boundary between the two countries in the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean.
The treaty will also ensure the continuation of the extensive and fruitful cooperation between Norwegian and Russian fisheries, and also govern cooperation on the exploitation of petroleum deposits in the region.
"The treaty will strengthen our neighbourly relations with Russia and will enhance predictability and stability in the area. It sends an important signal to the rest of the world - the Arctic is a peaceful region where any issues that arise are resolved in accordance with international law. It reflects the parties' active role and responsibility as coastal states for securing stability and strengthening cooperation in the Arctic Ocean," Stoltenberg said.