A U S T R A L I A A N D Slovenia

Key engagementContinuing to advocate for international rules-based order, free trade and democracy, including through the European Union (EU) and multilateral organisations.

OutlookContinued development of bilateral trade and economic ties, including through an Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement.

Bilateral relationsRelations between Australia and Slovenia are based on strong community ties and modest, but growing, trade relations. Australia recognised Slovenia as an independent state on 16 January 1992 and established diplomatic relations on 5 February 1992. The bilateral relationship between Australia and Slovenia is underpinned by bilateral agreements covering Social Security (2004), Reciprocal Healthcare (2011) and Work and Holiday Visas (2015). Australia’s merchandise trade with Slovenia in 2017-18 was $263.9 million. Australian goods exports to Slovenia totalled $93.2 million in 2017-18, with coal and electronic integrated circuits as the major sectors. Imports from Slovenia totalled $170.7 million in 2017-18, with medicaments and motor vehicles as the major sectors.Australia has an embassy in Vienna accredited to Slovenia and an Honorary Consul based in Ljubljana. Slovenia has an embassy in Canberra, and consulates in Sydney, Caloundra and Adelaide.

Foreign policySlovenia joined the United Nations on 22 May 1992, NATO on 29 March 2004, the EU on 1 May 2004 and the Eurozone on 1 January 2007. Slovenia joined the World Trade Organization on 30 July 1995 and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development on 21 July 2010. On Slovenia’s initiative, the UN proclaimed 20 May World Bee Day.

More information on Slovenia’s foreign policy:http://www.mzz.gov.si/en/foreign_policy_and_international_law/slovenian_foreign_policy/

Foreign Policy White Paper:

https://www.fpwhitepaper.gov.au

FAST FACTS

Slovene visitors to Australia (Mar 2018-Mar 2019)

3,700

Australian visitors to Slovenia (Mar 2018-Mar 2019)

3,800

Resident Australian population born in Slovenia (2016 census)

5,556

Australian residents of Slovenian descent (2016 census)

17,863

Slovenian working holidaymakers (2017/18)

84

Slovenian students in Australia (April 2019) 94

High level engagement2018 Australian Foreign Minister Julie

Bishop visited Ljubljana (February)

2018 Slovenian Minister of Economic Development and Technology

@DFAT | WWW.DFAT.GOV.AU

Zdravko Počivalšek visited Australia (February)

2015 Minister for Slovenians Abroad Gorazd Žmavc visited Australia (June)

2014 Australian Minister for Environment Greg Hunt visited Ljubljana (September)

Australian Embassy in Vienna

Mattiellistraße 2-4, A-1040 Vienna, Austria+43 1 506 740Vienna.Embassy@dfat.gov.au https://austria.embassy.gov.au/vien/home.html For details of the Australian Consulate in Ljubljana see:https://austria.embassy.gov.au/vien/contact-us.html

Australian Ambassador

@DFAT | WWW.DFAT.GOV.AU