Russia's new ambassador to Australia has stayed out of the spotlight since arriving in the country, but analysts say his appointment in itself shows Moscow is taking the Pacific more seriously.

Key points: At a speech at the Australian National University in Canberra, Russia's ambassador to Australia took a noticeably positive tone

At a speech at the Australian National University in Canberra, Russia's ambassador to Australia took a noticeably positive tone Kirill Nourzhanov, organiser of the event, said the speech was "refreshing" and indicated a rise in Russia's estimation of Australia

Kirill Nourzhanov, organiser of the event, said the speech was "refreshing" and indicated a rise in Russia's estimation of Australia Mr Nourzhanov said its a signal Russia wants to improve relations with Canberra "quite radically"

Alexey Pavlovsky presented his credentials to the Governor-General in May and, so far, he has not been as outspoken as his predecessor, the often-colourful Grigory Logvinov.

But addressing a small gathering at the Australian National University in Canberra on Friday, he stressed Moscow's interest in this part of the world.

"As a significant Eurasian power with vast far-eastern territories that boast significant potential, Russia has a stake in the successful future of the Asia-Pacific region and in promoting sustainable and comprehensive growth throughout the whole area," Dr Pavlovsky said.

"Russia, as one of the guardians of the existing world order, pursues a positive agenda."

This region hasn't always been a priority for the Kremlin.

During Vladimir Putin's trip to Brisbane several years ago, a journalist asked what the Russian President thought of Australia. He said he knew it existed.

Vladimir Putin visited Brisbane for the G20 summit in 2014. ( G20 Australia/Andrew Taylor )

But the organiser of the ANU event, senior lecturer Kirill Nourzhanov, said the Ambassador's comments yesterday showed attitudes in Moscow have changed.

"I think what can be inferred quite safely from his speech is that Australia is moving up the ranks in terms of countries with which Russia wants to have good working relations," Dr Nourzhanov said.

"What was quite interesting is that his speech did not contain any venom, it was very matter-of-fact, it didn't call Australia names, it didn't accuse us here in Australia of conspiring against Russia.

"So I think it was quite refreshing, to be honest with you."

Dr Nourzhanov said the decision to send Dr Pavlovsky to Australia in the first place was also an indication that Russia was serious about the region.

"He's an up-and-coming star in the Russian foreign policy establishment," he said.

"I believe it's a signal that the Russian Government wants relations with Canberra to be improved quite radically."

Russia eager to point to Syria mediation

In his speech, Dr Pavlovsky also touched on counter-terrorism, the challenge Australia could face if foreign fighters were to return, and the situation in Syria.

When civil strife erupted in Syria, it appeared the fall of the Assad regime was imminent and that Russia faced the humiliation of losing a valuable ally in the Middle East.

Russia has worked with Turkey as the situation in Syria escalated. ( Pool Photo via AP: Sergei Chirikov )

But, following US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw American forces from the region, Russia stepped forward as a mediator between the warring sides and emerged with its power and prestige enhanced.

The Ambassador said Russia was keen to exercise that same sort of influence in other parts of the world.

"We believe the Syrian settlement can become a model for resolving acute regional crises," he said.

"These approaches can be used to resolve other existing problems in the world, including in Asia, such as the situation on the Korean Peninsula, which has long been in a clinch."

Former Australian deputy ambassador to Moscow Ian Parmeter said the Ambassador's comments about Syria were not surprising.

"It was very clear that he would start with Syria, because just at the moment that is the good-news story that Russia has got to tell."

He said while Canberra remained largely disinterested in Russia, the superpower was set to become a bigger competitor for Asian markets.

"We are making major sales of natural gas to China and to the rest of the Asian regime," he said.

"Russia's in the process of trying to develop its Arctic natural gas resources, which it then wants to ship to China.

"So we will be competitors with them.

"Just how that will work out we'll just have to see, but it will be a relationship that Australia won't be able to ignore."