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New Zealand's relationship with Slovakia is modest, but there is a strong history of goodwill. We work together in multilateral forums. New Zealand also values its relationship with Slovakia as a European Union member state.
Czechoslovakia was traditionally one of New Zealand's largest trading partners in Central Europe. Trade relations between New Zealand and Slovakia are limited, but have increased over recent years.
In September, 2003, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Hon Phil Goff, made New Zealand's first ever ministerial visit to Slovakia. Mr Goff was warmly received and met with Foreign Minister Kukan, President Schuster, Deputy Prime Minister Pal Csaky and the Deputy Minister of Agriculture Golian, among others.
Czechoslovakia opened a Consulate-General in Wellington in 1954. Diplomatic ties were expanded in 1976 with the accreditation of the Czechoslovak Ambassador in Jakarta to New Zealand and the New Zealand Ambassador in Vienna to Czechoslovakia.
Currently the Ambassador of Slovakia, resident in Canberra, is accredited to New Zealand. Slovakia opened a Consulate in Auckland in September 2000. The New Zealand Ambassador in Berlin is accredited to Slovakia.
Land Area 48,845 sq km
Population 5.4 million (2007)
Capital City Bratislava
Language Slovak (official), Hungarian
Political system Parliamentary Republic
National government Coalition government
National legislature Slovak National Council of 150 members
Last elections July 2006 (legislative) - April 2004 (presidential)
Next elections due September 2010 (legislative) - April 2009 (presidential)
Head of State President Ivan Gasparovic (since 15 June 2004)
Head of Government Prime Minister Robert Fico
GDP US$94.2 billion
Real GDP growth 6.8%
Exports US$76 billion
Imports US$77 billion
Main exports Cars, machinery and electrical equipment, metals, plastics
Inflation 3.9%
Unemployment 7.6%
NZ Exports (FOB)(year ended December 2006) NZ$ 560,000
Main Exports Medicaments, machinery, tubes, pipes etc, wool waste and records, tapes etc
NZ Imports (CIF) NZ$ 8.3 million (year ended December 2006)
Main Imports sugars, pumps, tyres and footwear.
The Safetravel website provides a travel advisory for travellers to Slovakia [external link].
