









Mr Smith’s Office: Courtney Hoogen (02) 6277 7500 or 0488 244901  Departmental : (02) 6261 1555

M E D I A R E L E A S E

Stephen Smith MP Minister for Foreign Affairs

M  E  D  I  A   R  E  L  E  A  S  E



14 February 2010



Visit to Spain, Austria and Slovakia  and commemoration of 100 years of diplomacy with the UK

I will travel to Europe today, Sunday 14 February to visit Spain, Austria and the Slovak Republic.

I will also visit London to attend the commemoration of the centenary of diplomatic relations with the United  Kingdom.

This will be my first visit to Spain and the first by an Australian Foreign Minister since 2002.

Spain recently assumed the Presidency of the European Union.

Australia and Spain share common values and perspectives on key international issues, including the global  economy, climate change, non-proliferation and counter-terrorism.

I will meet my counterpart, Foreign Minister Miguel ÃÂngel Moratinos, to discuss further ways of advancing  bilateral cooperation and building on the high-level of engagement between Australia and the EU.

I will also meet Defence Minister Carme ChacÃÂ³n.

Australia and Spain share a commitment to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Materiel Cooperation between Australia and Spain,  signed in November 2008, provides a framework to further our growing Defence materiel engagement.

Three major defence capability projects have been awarded to Spanish companies.

I will also visit Austria.

This will also be my first visit to Austria and the first visit of an Australian Foreign Minister since 1993.

Australia’s relationship with Austria is built on solid people-to-people links.  Over 17,000 Austrians visit  Australia each year.

The economic and trade relationship continues to offer potential for growth.  Two-way trade currently stands at  just over A$1 billion per year.

Australia and Austria are cooperative partners across the multilateral agenda.

Our cooperation is underpinned by the Australia-EU Partnership Framework.

While I am in Vienna, I will also visit key nuclear non-proliferation institutions, the International Atomic Energy  Agency (IAEA) and Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO).

I will also visit the headquarters of Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) for the first  time.



Page 2

Mr Smith’s Office: Courtney Hoogen (02) 6277 7500 or 0488 244901  Departmental : (02) 6261 1555







This recently follows on from Australia becoming an Asian partner for cooperation of the OSCE in December  last year.

Australia fully supports the work of the OSCE and its comprehensive and co-operative approach to security.

Australia looks forward to working with European partners to make a constructive, practical contribution to the  work of the organisation.

Australia also co-operates closely with EU countries to combat terrorism and the proliferation of nuclear and  conventional weapons.

While in Austria, I will also make a short visit to Bratislava to meet my counterpart, Foreign Minister Miroslav  LajÃÂÃÂ¡k.



My visit will be the first by an Australian Foreign Minister to the Slovak Republic.

Australia and the Slovak Republic enjoy warm bilateral relations.

My visit will foster a deeper partnership on major international and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

A key issue is our joint commitment to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, where Slovak  soldiers serve alongside Australian troops in Oruzgan Province.

I will also visit London and on Thursday 18 February will attend the commemorations for the centenary of  Australia’s diplomatic representation in the United Kingdom.

Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh will attend a reception at Australia  House to mark the centenary.

This milestone highlights the cooperation and close bonds that characterise our special bilateral relationship.

The relationship is underpinned by our shared heritage, common values, and closely aligned strategic outlook.

I will also meet my counterpart, Foreign Minister David Miliband, to discuss Afghanistan and other foreign and  security challenges where Australian and United Kingdom interests are engaged.

My visit to Europe highlights the importance the Government places on strengthening relations with our  European partners.

Australia’s relations with Europe are built on a shared commitment to freedom and democratic values and a like-minded approach to a broad range of international issues.

While in Europe I look forward to discussions on the new EU institutional arrangements under the Lisbon  Treaty and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).







