Building of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Archive photo.
Moscow has expressed its strong indignation regarding Australia`s decision to refuse visas for the Roscosmos delegation, thereby obstructing their participation in the International Astronautical Congress held in Sydney. This action is perceived by Russia as an “unfriendly act of isolation” aimed at the country, according to Maria Zakharova, the official spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry.
“We are indignant at yet another manifestation of overt Russophobia. Australian authorities denied entry visas to members of the Roscosmos state corporation delegation, led by Director-General Dmitry Bakanov. They were scheduled to attend the 76th International Astronautical Congress in Sydney, an event that was supposed to take place from September 29 to October 3,” she announced during a briefing on Wednesday.
Zakharova further emphasized that Russia views this as another hostile move, reflecting Canberra`s “blind adherence to the shortsighted and adventurous campaign of the collective West,” which has been persistently, though unsuccessfully, attempting to realize its objective of isolating Moscow.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth