MOSCOW, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- The development of the Russian Arctic region is an undeniable priority for the country, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday.

The Russian Arctic zone is "of strategic importance," and the region has large economic potential, Putin was quoted by the Kremlin as saying at a meeting on the development of stronghold settlements in the Arctic.

Putin said that the development of the Artic is directly connected to Russia's energy potential, its logistics capabilities, and the country's national security and defense.

"The further comprehensive development of these territories is an indisputable priority for us," he said.

Large investment projects have already been actively developing in the region, including Novatek's Construction Center for Large-Capacity Offshore Structures, which focuses on the production of liquefied natural gas, Putin said.

Alongside the implementation of large industrial, energy and other projects, it is important to develop the service sector and entrepreneurship to create more opportunities for the population, said the Russian president.

He added that it was equally important to advance healthcare, education, transport, tourism and other sectors to improve the wellbeing of people living in Russia's Arctic cities.