The Australian Foreign Minister did not support the petition to close the Russian Consulate General. Penny Wong noted the importance of maintaining diplomatic contacts with Moscow.
Despite its isolation, Russia remains a global power, Wong said. Earlier it became known that an unknown man threw a suspicious bag onto the territory of the Russian consulate General in Sydney. No dangerous objects were found in the sports bag. The Australian government has made clear its commitment to ensuring that the number of accredited Russian diplomats and consular staff in Australia reflects our national interests.