OREANDA-NEWS. August 27, 2010. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Alexei Borodavkin held in Moscow a regular round of political consultations with New Zealand’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chris Seed, on August 25.

The parties underlined their countries’ common desire to intensify further the political dialogue and to comprehensively expand the Russia-New Zealand relationship, including mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation. In this connection they noted the importance of consistently pursuing the discussion begun by the parties of concluding an agreement on the establishment of a free trade zone.

Their exchange of views on international issues has confirmed the similarity of Moscow and Wellington’s approaches to the key issues of today, and the readiness to expand cooperation in combating new challenges and threats and to work together in maintaining security in the Asia-Pacific region and the world as a whole. In this context the parties touched in part upon the situation on the Korean Peninsula, the conditions in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Iranian nuclear program, and a number of other topical problems, including the struggle against international terrorism and narco-crime.

The consultations were held in an atmosphere of trust and mutual understanding, and showed that a significant potential exists for the further sustainable development of bilateral relations and constructive cooperation on key international issues.

It was decided to hold the next round of consultations in New Zealand. Their date will be arranged via diplomatic channels.