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Russian first deputy premier in Antarctica
It is the first high-profile Russian visit to Antarctica. He and his party will inspect the runway at Russia's Novolazarevskya polar station. He will also inspect the Global Navigation Satellite System.
Sergei Ivanov said that Russia had no plans to claim territory in Antarctica and that it will strictly abide by the international convention on the continent. "Russia is one of the participants of the Antarctic Treaty and the international convention clearly regulates activities here. These are basically two things - science and transportation." Sergei Ivanov said.
"We share the same position as the United States - Antarctica is the property of the whole of mankind and only scientific research experiments should be held here."
He also stated that the Russian government would gradually increase spending to support Russians living and working in Antarctica. “Russia having 300 citizens in the Antarctic will take care of them and make their life safer and more comfortable.”
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