With ice melting, Arctic coast guards pledge cooperation

NEW LONDON, Conn. — Coast guard leaders from the U.S., Russia and other Arctic nations are pledging to deepen their cooperation in northern seas, where warming temperatures are opening new waterways.

The leaders on Friday signed an agreement setting up a new forum dedicated to security and stewardship of Arctic waters. It follows a three-day summit at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut.

Adm. Paul Zukunft, the U.S. Coast Guard commandant, said open dialogue is necessary as the countries confront changes driven by warming temperatures.

The other member nations of the new Arctic Coast Guard Forum are Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

A regimental review of cadets held on academy grounds in honor of the forum members was later attended by delegations except for Russia's. It departed immediately after the signing ceremony.