AUSTRALIA A REPUBLIC COUNTRY
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Introduction
The Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic were created separate states on 1 January 1993, on the territory of the former Czechoslovakia. The Czech Republic, which is bordered by Poland, Slovakia, Austria and Germany, occupies the historical regions of Bohemia, Moravia and a part of Silesia. The Czechs are a Slavic people but their culture and history link them strongly to Western Europe.
Overview of Australia's Bilateral Relations with the Czech Republic
Australia's bilateral relations with the Czech Republic are constructive and cordial. Despite our geographical distance, we engage in a valuable dialogue and like-minded cooperation on key global issues, and commercial links are diversifying, reflecting the Czech Republic's strategic location and as a market entering the European Union.
Community Links
Since the Second World War, there have been two major waves of immigration: after the communist takeover of Czechoslovakia in 1948, and following Soviet occupation in 1968. Although available census statistics do not differentiate between Czechs and Slovaks, it is estimated that about three-quarters of the Czechoslovakia-born community living in Australia are of Czech ethnic background. At the time of the 2001 census there were over 9,000 Australian residents born in Czechoslovakia.
Bilateral Relations
Responsibility for diplomatic and trade, including commercial relations with the Czech Republic, rests with the Australian Embassy in Warsaw, with visa and migration issues handled by the DIMIA office in Vienna. Australia maintains a Consulate in Prague, headed by Honorary Consul (and Austrade Post Manager) Petr Vodvarka...