The commission approved a draft strategy for the Russian presence on the Spitsbergen Archipelago until the year 2020. "Once endorsed by government executive order, the document will become the main reference point for performing our economic operations and upholding our national interests in the region," Mr Zubkov said.

The strategy includes an analysis of the specific features and main components of the Russian presence on the archipelago. In practical terms, it is aimed at upholding the nation's interests on the Spitsbergen through the optimisation and diversification of its economic activities there, as well as measures to raise their efficiency. The implementation areas identified in the document include providing foreign political and international legal support for Russian presence on the Spitsbergen, boosting the efficiency of state governance and economic operators on the archipelago, improving the quality of life, providing social security and the safety net for personnel, and developing the local economy and life support system. The strategy sets key tasks for each of these areas, and proposes organisational mechanisms for their implementation. General coordination and oversight are to be performed by the commission.

The session participants also discussed progress on the Russian Navy's implementation of tasks to create and maintain conditions for ensuring security of Russia's maritime activities in the Spitsbergen area. Mr Zubkov emphasised the need to improve coordination of that work with other agencies concerned.

Reviewing the implementation of the commission's assignments in 2011, Mr Zubkov highlighted progress in the advancement of tourism, as well as in environmental protection, scientific research, and infrastructure renovation on the archipelago. The first deputy prime minister said the fulfilment of the commission's assignments had helped increase returns from coal production and cut costs in half (to 3,100 roubles per tonne, up from 6,100 roubles) in the past year, along with an increase of the selling prices. Mr Zubkov also highlighted delays in implementing those of the commission's decisions that are aimed at resolving transport problems, raising the quality of health services, and constructing fishery facilities. "These issues are nothing new; everyone is well aware of them. And we need to place a special emphasis on them," he said. The official gave additional organisational assignments to relevant agencies, including on the construction of a fish processing factory and research institutes in Barentsburg and the provision of Russian citizens based on the Spitsbergen with aircraft, modern medical aid and quality telephone communications.