The new Slovak government has taken a further step to improve relations with neighbouring countries by signing a protocol with Hungary aimed at easing tensions between them.

The protocol, which was signed in the Slovak capital, Bratislava, sets up eleven commissions to deal with different areas of bilateral relations, including minority rights.

The two sides also agreed that their differences over the Gabcikovo-Nagymaros dam on the Danube would no longer be a cause of tension between them.

The Hungarian foreign minister, Janos Martonyi, said they had closed the period of disputes and misunderstandings.