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Arctic Yearbook
Council. In all his years as Russian SAO, Anton contributed to strengthen the Council and raise
awareness about the circumpolar cooperation. Thank you, Anton.
What more is special about the Arctic Council? So far, I have not experienced any clear
divisions among SAOs based on the traditional political directions. Geography, location and
whether the respective country has political and economic interests in the Arctic are the most
important factors for the decision making process.
In addition to Anton, I want to thank two more great SAO Chairs who both have contributed to
strengthening the Arctic Council, Gustaf Lind during the Swedish Chairmanship and Patrick
Borbey during the Canadian Chairmanship.
Eikeland