Australia–Spain relations

Australia–Spain relations refers to the diplomatic relations between Australia and Spain. In the 2016 Australian Census, 120,952 Australian residents claimed Spanish descent, while 15,391 indicated they were born in Spain.[1] Both nations are members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Australia-Spain relations

Australia
Spain

History
Memorial to the Spanish Civil War in Canberra

In 1606, Spanish explorer Luís Vaz de Torres was one of the first European explorers to encounter Australia by entering the straights between Australia and Papua New Guinea which are today named in his honor as the Torres Strait.[2] Since the initial encounter, relations between Australia and Spain would not develop until the twentieth century.

From 1936 to 1939, Spain was embroiled in a civil war between the Republican faction and Nationalist faction. Australia, was officially neutral during the conflict, however, over 66 Australians volunteered and fought for the Republican faction in Spain as part of the British Battalion.[3]

On 26 October 1967, Australia and Spain officially established diplomatic relations. In May 1968, Spain opened an embassy in the Australian capital of Canberra.[4] In June 1988, King Juan Carlos I of Spain paid an official visit to Australia.[5] In July 2017, both nations celebrated 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations.[6]

High-level visits

High-level visits from Australia to Spain[7]

High-level visits from Spain to Australia[8]

Bilateral relations

Throughout the years, both nations have signed numerous bilateral agreements such as an Extradition Treaty (1987); Agreement on Cultural, Education and Scientific cooperation (1991); Agreement on the Avoidance of Double-Taxation and the Prevention of Tax Evasion (1992); Agreement on Social Security (2002); Agreement on Air services (2009) and a Working holiday visa agreement (2014).[4] In 2018 both countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations to expand and mutually reinforce them in all fields, coinciding with Australia Day. Both countries tend to develop increasingly cordial and strategic relations.

Trade

In 2017, trade between Australia and Spain totaled US$3.4 billion.[1] Australian merchandise exports to Spain were valued at $697 million, and included coal, other ores and concentrates, fruit and nuts, and electronic integrated circuits. Spanish merchandise exports to Australia were valued at $2 billion, with the biggest import items being passenger motor vehicles, medicaments (including veterinary), fixed vegetable oils and fats, and rubber tires, treads and tubes.[1] In 2016, Australian investments in Spain totaled US$5.1 billion and at the same time, Spanish investments in Australia totaled US$948 million.[1]

Resident diplomatic missions
  • The building which houses the Embassy of Australia in Madrid
  • Embassy of Spain in Canberra

See also

References
  1. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade:Spain
  2. Torres, Luis Vaez de
  3. Australian Participation in the Spanish Civil War
  4. Bilateral relations between Spain and Australia (in Spanish)
  5. El Rey visita en Brisbane la Expo anterior a la de Sevilla (in Spanish)
  6. Australia-Spain 50 years of diplomatic relations
  7. The Prince and Princess of Asturias lunch with the Governor-General of Australia
  8. El Príncipe invita al primer ministro de Australia a visitar España (in Spanish)
  9. Embassy of Australia in Spain
  10. Embassy of Spain in Australia
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