Joint statement on the occasion of the working visit of the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Stephen Smith to the Russian Federation
Joint statement
Moscow, 22 April 2010
At the invitation of the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, the Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith made a working visit to the Russian Federation on 20-22 April 2010.
During the talks, which were held in a constructive and friendly atmosphere, the Ministers discussed a wide range of issues on the bilateral and international agenda.
Minister Lavrov and Minister Smith expressed satisfaction with the enhancement of political dialogue and the positive character of bilateral engagement across a wide range of areas. Both sides noted increased high-level contact between the two Governments, including in the margins of multilateral forums, which has enabled an exchange of views on a broad spectrum of current issues of bilateral and global importance.
The Ministers noted positive developments in trade and economic cooperation between Russia and Australia, particularly in the mining, agriculture and investment sectors. They noted significant potential for increased cooperation and growth in the commercial relationship, which will be pursued through the Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation - the third session of which will be held in Australia in the second half of this year.
The Ministers welcomed developments in the bilateral education relationship, including greater access to scholarships to support educational exchange.
Both sides reaffirmed their mutual desire to maximise existing opportunities and seek new ways to enhance scientific, technological, cultural, educational and humanitarian engagement.
The Ministers recognised the importance of strengthening treaty and legal frameworks, which will provide a platform for further elevation of the bilateral relationship. They acknowledged the importance of concluding Agreements on extradition and legal assistance in criminal matters as well as finalising arrangements on investment cooperation. They agreed to strive for mutually acceptable outcomes, taking into account the interests of both sides.
The sides welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding on Agricultural Cooperation, which was signed on 21 April 2010, and which is to give impetus to mutually beneficial cooperation in this area.
Minister Smith briefed Minister Lavrov on progress towards ratification of the 2007 Nuclear Cooperation Agreement. Minister Lavrov welcomed the steps undertaken by the Australian Government and noted that the Agreement's early entry into force would meet the interests of both parties and open up new possibilities for dialogue on nuclear policy and safeguards.
Both sides reaffirmed their intention to continue their active engagement on climate change issues, including the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute - an initiative proposed by the Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
They noted their mutual aspiration to expand cooperation in the Antarctic and reaffirmed readiness to sign a relevant government-to-government Memorandum of Understanding in the near future.
They emphasised their mutual interest in continuing political-military talks at Deputy Secretaries' level of the Foreign Affairs Departments, with the involvement of representatives of the Defence Departments and other relevant authorities of the two countries.
During their discussions on the international agenda, the Ministers examined a wide range of issues, including nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament and cooperation in addressing new challenges and threats. The sides exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan, the Iranian nuclear program and the Korean Peninsula. They agreed on the importance of achieving positive outcomes at the forthcoming 2010 Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference.
The Australian side welcomed the new START, signed by Russia and the United States in Prague on 8 April 2010, and expressed hope that this Treaty will reinforce the nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime and enhance credibility between nuclear and non-nuclear states who are parties to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Both Ministers agreed Russia and Australia should continue to actively participate in Asia-Pacific international processes and deepen their cooperation in regional fora, including APEC. Both sides were pleased that they would join the Asia-Europe Meeting at the next ASEM summit in Brussels in October 2010.
The Ministers underlined the importance of continuing discussions on new regional architecture, including Prime Minister Rudd's initiative on a future Asia-Pacific community. They welcomed outcomes of the ASEAN summit on 8-9 April at which ASEAN leaders encouraged Russia and the United States to deepen their involvement in regional architecture, including through possible involvement with the East Asia Summit.
Minister Lavrov gratefully accepted Minister Smith's invitation to visit Australia.
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