Russia confirms readiness to help Belarus construct Antarctic station

MINSK, 31 July (BelTA) – Russia confirmed readiness to assist Belarus in the construction of its Antarctic station, acting head of the national polar research center, head of the Belarusian Antarctica expedition Aleksei Gaidashov told BelTA following the extended working meeting of Belarus’ ministerial commission on Antarctica with the participation of Russian representatives.

The meeting highlighted the draft action plan for 2013-2015 and for the period up to 2020 regarding the implementation of the current Belarus-Russia agreement on cooperation in Antarctica. “Russian representatives expressed readiness to support in the international arena Belarus’ project on the construction of a polar station and provide practical assistance to the country, i.e. deliver modules of the future station to the construction site and provide transport vehicles,” Aleksei Gaidashov added. Belarus, in turn, should compensate for Russia’s expenditure.

Belarus plans to build its polar station in Antarctica by 2018. The first module will be delivered to the construction site in November-December 2014.

The draft plan for the construction of a polar station was developed in 2012 following the request of the Council of Ministers of Belarus. The document was approved by the National Academy of Sciences and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, coordinated with the Finance Ministry.