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.
"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.
