Peru–Spain relations

Incan Emperor Atahualpa during the Battle of Cajamarca

Peru and Spain share a long history since the arrival of the first Spanish conquistadores led by Francisco Pizarro in 1532. By 1534, Pizarro managed to overcome the Incan Empire and claimed the territory for Spain.[1] In 1535, Spain founded the city of Lima which would become the seat of power and capital for the Viceroyalty of Peru which was created in 1542 and at its highest incorporated most of the South American nations.[2]

In the early 1780s, local indigenous people from the highlands took part in widespread uprisings, most notably the revolt of Rebellion of Túpac Amaru II. They hoped to restore the Inca Empire, however, the revolts were defeated by Spanish forces.[3]

Like many Latin-American nations in the early 19th century, Peru experienced a wave of awareness and possibility of independence from Spain. However, unlike most Latin American nations, Peru's independence was conducted primarily by outsiders.[3] On 28 July 1821, José de San Martín declared the independence of Peru.[3] It wouldn't be until December 1824 when the forces of Simón Bolívar entered Peru and the country fully obtained its independence.[3]

Peruvian President Martín Vizcarra and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Madrid, 2019.

In 1864, Peru, along with Bolivia, Chile and Ecuador, declared war on Spain when Spanish forces occupied the Guano rich Chincha Islands just off the coast of Peru. The Chincha Islands War lasted until 1866 after the Battle of Callao when Spanish forces bombarded the port city and returned to Spain.[4] In August 1879, Spain officially recognized the independence of Peru and representatives of both nations signed a Treaty of Peace and Friendship in Paris and therefore establishing diplomatic relations.[5]

During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), the Peruvian embassy in Madrid was host to over 370 Spanish asylum seekers and Peruvian nationals trying to leave the country.[6] Because the embassy was hosting Spanish nationals, government forces stationed soldiers at the entrance of the Peruvian embassy and consulate to ensure that they would capture any Spanish nationals trying to flee from the embassy. As a result, the Peruvian government issued a letter denouncing the government and their tactics.[6] Due to the tense relationship between the two nations during this time period, Peru and Spain severed diplomatic relations in March 1938, however, once General Francisco Franco took power, both nations re-established diplomatic relations in February 1939. In June 1939, both nations re-opened their embassies in each other's capitals, respectively.[6]

Over the years, both Peru and Spain have signed numerous agreements such as: agreements on air transport and trade relations (1954); agreement on dual citizenship (1959); social security agreement (1964) and cultural cooperation (1967).[6]

In November 1978, Spanish King Juan Carlos I paid an official visit to Peru, his first to the country.[7] Since then, members of the Spanish royal family and government officials would visit Peru on numerous occasions. In 1991, Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori paid an official state visit to Spain, the first by a Peruvian head of state.[8]

In 2018, King Felipe VI of Spain met with Peruvian President Martín Vizcarra initiating a state visit in which both countries strengthened their relations with a complete agenda of institutional, economic, social, defense and cultural contacts. Both leaders expressed the desire to continue strengthening the “excellent moment” of relations between the two countries.