The result also demonstrated that the Russian people had chosen to stay on the path of economic and political reform. Like Russia, Australia strongly supports an efficient, independent and effective United Nations system. In our own region, the Asia-Pacific, Australia and Russia have many common goals including working together to strengthen regional security. The Australian Government looks forward to working constructively with the Russian Federation in the pursuit of these shared regional goals. While still modest, the commercial relationship now covers a broad range of goods and services.
Some Australian companies are already investors in Russia's minerals and energy sectors.
Mr Fischer said the appointment of Senator Brownhill as the Parliamentary Secretary responsible for trade with Russia, the Newly Independent States of the former Soviet Union, and Central Europe, demonstrated the Government's commitment to further strengthening and deepening trade and economic ties between Australia and Russia.