[BBC] The United States is planning to appoint an Ambassador for the Arctic, amid increased Russian military activity in the region.
The Ambassador-at-Large will be put in place to advance US policy in the northern polar region, a Department of State spokesman said.
On Friday, Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg warned of the threat posed by Russia in the northern polar regions.
He also voiced concern about China's reach into the Arctic.
The new US ambassador will engage with the seven other Arctic nations - Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Russia - as well as indigenous groups and other stakeholders, said State Department spokesman Vedant Patel.
Peace and stability in the region are of "critical strategic importance" to the US and a priority for Secretary of State Antony Blinken, he added.
Mr Blinken will soon name the ambassador, whose appointment is subject to Senate approval.
The announcement comes as Russia steps up its presence near the North Pole, while China has been building Arctic research stations. |