Republic of Slovenia - Ukraine

Cooperation between the two countries has been good. As a founding member of the United Nations and before any other European Union member state Ukraine recognised the Republic of Slovenia in December 1991. Slovenia and Ukraine's paths to independence were characterised by similar efforts over their history. Both countries became sovereign states towards the end of the 20th century.

Political dialogue between Slovenia and Ukraine strengthened in 1997. The most important state visits include the official visit of Prime Minister Drnovsek to Ukraine (November 1998), the official visit by the Ukrainian President, Mr Leonid Kuchma to Slovenia (March 1999), the President of the Republic, Mr Milan Kucan, attended the 6th Meeting of the Presidents of Central European States in Ukraine (May 1999).

The volume of trade between Slovenia and the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States makes Ukraine the second biggest trade partner, with Russia in the first place. In 2001 trade between the two countries reached the highest level in the past six years and totalled USD 62.9 million, a 48.7% increase on 2000. Slovenia's exports increased by 58.3% on 2000 thus totalling USD 48.2 million. Slovenia's surplus (USD 33.5 million) increased by 79.1% on 2000. Slovenia's exports to Ukraine came to 0.52% of its total exports in 2001 whereas Slovenian imports from Ukraine represented 0.12% (USD 14.7 million) of its total imports in 2001.

Several Slovenian companies, primarily from the pharmaceutical and food industries and telecommunications and tourism have representative offices in Ukraine. Slovenian companies have also recently made numerous small-scale investments, concentrated in western Ukraine.

The most important bilateral agreements signed by the two countries include: the agreements on cooperation in trade and economy, and in culture, education and science; the agreement on reciprocal promotion and protection of investments; agreements on air transport and international road transport. A major agreement now in preparation is the agreement for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and on capital.

European integration provides an important framework for further strengthening of bilateral cooperation. Slovenia considers closer relations between Slovenia, other EU candidate countries and Ukraine as a natural partnership that is beneficial to all European countries. Although Slovenia and Ukraine are not progressing towards EU membership at the same pace, their cooperation in this field could be fruitful and successful. Slovenia is prepared to share its experience and contribute to a comprehensive promotion of a dialogue between the EU and Ukraine.

Slovenia welcomes Ukrainian efforts to join other Euro-Atlantic organisations, stabilise the region and establish itself in the new European security architecture.

Many possibilities for successful development of bilateral cooperation in various areas (defence, internal affairs, science and technology, agriculture, etc) remain unexploited, therefore Slovenia hopes to develop this potential in future bilateral relations.

GOVERNMENT PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MEDIA OFFICE © 2002