The Arctic Ocean – meeting in Oslo

At the invitation of the Norwegian Government, representatives of the five coastal States of the Arctic Ocean - Canada, Denmark, Norway, the Russian Federation and the United States of America - met at the level of senior officials on 15 and 16 October 2007 in Oslo, Norway, to hold informal discussions.  

The participants noted recent scientific data indicating that the Arctic Ocean stands at the threshold of significant changes, in particular the impact of melting ice on vulnerable ecosystems, livelihoods of local inhabitants, and potential exploitation of natural resources. 

In this regard, they recalled the applicability of an extensive international legal framework to the Arctic Ocean, including notably the law of the sea. They discussed in particular application and national implementation of the law of the sea in relation to protection of the marine environment, freedom of navigation, marine scientific research and the establishment of the outer limits of their respective continental shelves. They discussed cooperative efforts on these and other topics. They also emphasized the commitment of their States to continue cooperation among themselves and with other interested States, including on scientific research.