"The ministry of industry is preparing a list of areas where Slovakia could offer its skills. This list notably includes an index of companies that have already worked in that region," she said.

Slovak Industry Minister Robert Nemcsics will visit the United States from April 9 to 14 and meet with representatives of the US administration charged with the reconstruction of post-war Iraq.

Sevcikova said Slovakia could especially be of help in the construction and energy spheres.

US Commerce Secretary Donald Evans visited Slovakia in February and said Washington "would surely think of its friends who have stuck by its side" during the Iraqi standoff, when the time comes to rebuild the country.

The government of Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda has for months given its full support to the United States in its campaign against Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, though it has not sent troops to fight alongside the US-led forces in Iraq.

SPACE.WIRE