12th August 2002
New Ambassador to Russia
New Zealand’s next Ambassador to Russia will be career diplomat Stuart Prior, Foreign Minister Phil Goff announced
today.
“Russia, an important member of the international community, is undergoing an impressive programme of economic reform as
part of its bid for membership of the World Trade organisation (WTO).
“New Zealand is an active member of the working party on Russia’s WTO accession and looks forward to welcoming Russia as
a member once those reforms are complete.
“Russia today is a very different place from the Soviet republic which existed little over a decade ago. Its increasing
integration with the global community is evidenced by its commitment to the coalition against terrorism, the
strengthening of ties with organisations such as NATO, the agreement on arms reduction reached with the US and its
ongoing work toward membership of the WTO.
“I look forward to the strengthening of New Zealand’s relations with Russia during Mr Prior’s term,” Mr Goff said.
Mr Prior previously served at the New Zealand Mission in Moscow in the late 1970s. He has also served in Canberra and
London, has worked in the Prime Ministers’ Department and has extensive experience in development assistance issues.
He will take up his posting in January 2003, replacing Geoff Ward who will return to Wellington at the end of this year.
Ends