Canada-Slovenia Relations
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Bilateral Relations
Canada has excellent relations with Slovenia. Canada recognized Slovenian independence in January 1992, and established diplomatic relations a year later. There are almost 36,000 Canadians of Slovenian origin. Slovenia has an Embassy in Ottawa and honorary consuls in Toronto, Vancouver and Moncton. Canada's Ambassador to Slovenia is resident in Budapest. The Embassy is assisted by an honorary consul in Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital.
The Governor General of Canada visited Slovenia in October 2009, paying visits to government officials as well as local artistic, cultural and youth groups.
Multilateral Cooperation
Canada and Slovenia often seek shared goals due to a common commitment to multilateralism and the rule of law. Canada supported Slovenia’s Chairmanship of the OSCE and is pleased that Slovenia will join the OECD. Slovenia is a strong supporter of the Ottawa landmines process, and Canada has contributed to Slovenia's International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance.
Defence
Slovenia joined NATO on April 1 2004; Slovenia's membership in NATO has led to close cooperation between our defence forces. Slovenia began deploying troops alongside Canadian forces in Afghanistan in 2003, and in early 2010 the Slovenian military further increased their efforts in Afghanistan. In March 2006, members of the Slovene military were the first non-Canadian recipients of the Canadian General Campaign Star in recognition of their service in Afghanistan.
Youth Mobility
A Youth Mobility Agreement between Canada and Slovenia was signed in October 2009, and was implemented on July 1st 2010. Under the agreement Slovenian and Canadian youths between 18 and 35 will be able to learn about and explore each other’s country, languages, cultures and societies by living and working in their opposite country for a period of up to one year. Currently this program is open to 200 Slovenian and 200 Canadian youths each year.
Trade and Investment
Canada’s commercial interest has not been exploited to its potential in Slovenia. In 2010, bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries was $129.07 million Canadian dollars, which is a decrease compared to the three previous years.
In 2010, Canadian merchandise exports stood at $33.47 million. Most of Canadian exports are in high value-added products and services, particularly in the aerospace industry. Since 1997 Adria Airlines bought 11 planes from Bombardier, and the order for the 12th plane is now in progress. Other Canadian exports include mineral ores, scientific equipment, mechanical and electrical equipment.
Imports from Slovenia to Canada are growing and reached $95.595 million in 2010. Mechanical machinery, furniture and bedding, clothing, iron and steel, as well as toys and sport equipment makeup the largest share of these imports.
Signs of innovation in commercialization partnerships between Canadian and Slovenian small and medium enterprises are at the embryonic phase.
Last updated: July 2011
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