Visit to the United Kingdom, Hungary and Slovenia

I will visit the UK, Hungary and Slovenia from 17 to 23 February to strengthen bilateral relations in the region and promote Australia's economic and security interests.

As the UK is one of our closest international security partners, I will meet with Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and other ministerial counterparts to discuss a range of foreign and security policy challenges. I will also promote Australia's Foreign Policy White Paper at a keynote speech at King's College.

The UK is Australia's second largest source of foreign investment and our fifth largest two-way trading partner, worth $27.5 billion in goods and services last financial year. I will support this trading relationship by meeting with the Australian-UK Chamber of Commerce and creative industry representatives. I will also promote Australian exporters at the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange, which supports the trade of ethical, sustainable clothing and textiles.

In Hungary, I will meet Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó, and business representatives to discuss ways to grow trade and strengthen further our bilateral relations.

I will also be the first Australian Foreign Minister to attend the Foreign Ministerial meeting of the Visegrad Group (V4). This dynamic bloc within the European Union shares our commitment to open markets and harnessing innovation to drive economic growth. During this meeting we will discuss key global security challenges and Australia's relations with Europe, including a free trade agreement with the EU.

My trip to Slovenia will be the first official visit by an Australian Foreign Minister in 26 years of our diplomatic relations. I will meet President Borut Pahor and discuss ways to enhance our strong bilateral relations, trade and people-to-people links. Slovenia is the President of the United Nations Human Rights Council for 2018 and I will discuss ways Australia and Slovenia can work together to advance human rights with Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec.

I will also meet members of the Australian business, alumni and academic community, who play an important role in promoting Australia in their relevant sectors.