Arctic Council countries fail to issue joint declaration due to disparities

Icelandic Foreign Minister Gudlaugur Thor Thordarson (L) shakes hands with Finnish Foreign Minister Timo Soini at a press conference in Rovaniemi, Finland, May 7, 2019. The 11th Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting concluding in Rovaniemi, northern Finland, on Tuesday failed to formulate a customary joint declaration due to disparities. It was the first time the meeting has not issued a declaration which would also act as a guideline for the next chairing country. (Xinhua/Li Jizhi)