AUSTRALIA AND Slovenia Key engagement Continuing to advocate for international rules-based order, free trade and democracy, including through the European Union (EU) and multilateral organisations. Outlook Continued development of bilateral trade and economic ties, including through an Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement. Bilateral relations Relations 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 policy Slovenia 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_polic y_and_international_law/slovenian_fore ign_policy/ Foreign Policy White Paper: https://www.fpwhitepape r.gov.au FAST FACTS Slovene visitors to Australia (Mar 2018-Mar 3,700 Australian visitors to Slovenia (Mar 2018-Mar 2019) 3,800 Resident Australian population born in Slovenia (2016 5,556 Australian residents of Slovenian descent (2016 census) 17,863 @DFAT | WWW.DFAT.GOV.AU