Russian Ambassador Says Moscow is Open to New Cooperation With Australia

Russian Ambassador to Australia Vladimir Morozov says Russia is willing to re-establish relations with Australia over a wide range of issues, after the cooperation between the two countries were severely affected by the standoff over Ukraine.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Russia is ready to reestablish cooperation with Australia over a wide range of issues, but the ball is in Canberra's court, Russian Ambassador to Australia Vladimir Morozov told RIA Novosti.

He admitted that the 2014 standoff over Ukraine undid whatever progress the two nations had achieved in the past years.

"I don't think it'll get any worse this year. But it's all up to the Australian leadership. Our approach is pragmatic. We are ready to explore the possibility of reviving our cooperation on mutually important issues," Morozov said.

Russian-Australian political and security contacts were severely affected by the ensuing standoff, the envoy said. According to Morozov, Moscow has suggested working together with Canberra on anti-terrorism efforts, but Australia has not responded.

Weakening relations have taken its toll on the trade between Russia and Australia, which dropped by 50 percent in 2014 after a rise to $2 billion from just $400 million over the previous six years.

"I guess political tensions and sanctions did play a negative role, although our business contacts indicate that profitable businesses will stay in place, meaning that there is still a real prospect for reenergizing trade between our countries," the diplomat added.

Last year, Australia joined the West in sanctioning Russia over its alleged involvement in the Ukrainian conflict. Russia responded by banning Australian food imports for a year.