MOSCOW, October 24 (HS/RIA Novosti) - The New Zealand authorities continue to ensure the conditions necessary for the normal operation of the Russian embassy, ​​without any obvious risks to Russian-owned property in the country, Russian Ambassador to Wellington Stanislav Krans told RIA Novosti.

We have reached a common understanding with the New Zealand side that, even though political and practical engagement has been almost completely suspended, the need to keep diplomatic channels of communication between our two nations open remains. Unlike the Australians, the local authorities have assured us of their commitment to ensuring the conditions for the normal functioning of our embassy in Wellington, and they have consistently honored that promise, Krans said.

This approach also extends to the real estate owned by Russian citizens in the country, the ambassador also said. When asked about the risks of the situation taking a turn for the worse, Krans said there were no obvious ones, but, as life shows, anything can happen.

Let us hope they will maintain a sensible approach to this issue and not copy the foolish behavior of their Australian neighbors, the ambassador added.

In 2023, the Australian government used special legislation to terminate a lease agreement for a plot of land near the parliament building in Canberra, which had been granted to Russia for the construction of a new embassy. The decision was attributed to national security concerns.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar