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The Biden administration has announced plans to create a new ambassador-at-large position to represent the Arctic region amid growing geopolitical tensions with China and Russia, the other two powers in the region.
“In order to advance U.S. interests and cooperation with allies and partners in the Arctic region, after extensive consultation with members of Congress, local and federal government officials, and external stakeholders, the President plans to enhance the Arctic Coordinator’s profile by appointing an ambassador to the Arctic. status. Great for the Arctic, subject to Senate advice and consent,” the State Department wrote in a statement Press release on Friday.
It explained that a “peaceful” and “prosperous” Arctic region is of “critical strategic importance” to the United States and a “priority” for US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.
“Addressing climate change” was also a factor in establishing the new position, the State Department said.
Divers are recovering a Ford F-150 that sank in Arctic waters off Canada
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 28: U.S. President Joe Biden gestures as he speaks about the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act
(Anna Cash Cow/Getty Images)
The administration wrote that the new ambassador’s role will be to “advance” U.S. policy in the region while engaging with counterparts in Arctic and non-Arctic states, as well as indigenous groups.
“We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Congress to rapidly confirm Ambassador-at-Large after nominations are submitted to the Senate,” the release added.
The new stance comes as Russia aggressively claims to have opened up new sea lanes in the Arctic due to receding ice, while China bills itself as a “near-Arctic state” as it expands control of the region, New York Post reports.
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Aircraft assigned to the 354th Fighter Wing and the 168th Wing form formation at Elson AFB, Alaska, December 18, 2020.
(Photo by U.S. Air Force senior pilot Keith Holcomb)
The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
