WELLINGTON, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Denisov signed Friday an arrangement for the two foreign ministries to hold expert consultations, according to a government press release. ¡¡

    Peters and Denisov are both in Hanoi for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting.

    The arrangement follows a proposal made to Peters by his counterpart Sergei Lavrov during Peters' visit to Moscow in April.     

    "At a time when Russia is actively increasing its bilateral engagement internationally, this arrangement will help keep New Zealand on its radar screen," said Peters.

    New Zealand's relationship with Russia is continuing to develop. Russia is becoming an important player on the international stage and its views on a number of issues, such as disarmament, regional security, and the environment are important to us.

    "This consultation agreement will ensure we are able to discuss such issues in greater depth," said Peters. ¡¡