Washington, Aug 26 (AP) The Biden administration said Friday it will upgrade its engagement with the Arctic Council and countries with an interest in a region that's rapidly changing due to climate change.

The State Department said the US will appoint an ambassador-at-large for the Arctic to deal with national security, environmental and development issues in the far North. The US has had an Arctic coordinator for many years, but the upgraded position may bring new energy to the job.

Also Read | Chinese Authorities Arrest Tibetan Man for Having A Photo of Dalai Lama Around His Neck.

President Joe Biden “plans to elevate the Arctic Coordinator position by appointing an Ambassador-at-Large for the Arctic Region, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate,” the State Department said in a statement.

Friday's announcement did not nominate a person to take the post.

Also Read | Pakistan Floods: 33 Million People Affected by the Worst Flooding in A Decade Due to Heavy Rainfall.

The Arctic has been a hotbed of activity in recent years as warming seas have reduced ice coverage and opened new shipping lanes. Russia, in particular, has made the Arctic a priority, something that has concerned the US. China, while not an Arctic nation, has also made moves in the region. (AP)

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)