Australia and Russia strengthen cooperation in agriculture

Visiting Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith and Russian Agriculture Minister Yelena Skrynnik signed a memorandum of understanding on agricultural cooperation on April 21.

The agreement will support the exchange of Australian and Russian delegations, experts and scientists, as well as participation in trade shows, conventions and forums.

"Australia already enjoys a substantive trade relationship with Russia in meat and cattle exports," Smith said. "This MoU will strengthen these links by allowing our authorities to work together effectively on a range of issues, including achieving a better understanding of each other's regulatory and legal frameworks."

Australia will continue to work with Russian authorities to realise the full potential of the bilateral trade relationship, including securing the resumption of kangaroo meat exports.