Australia–Spain relations

Australia-Spain relations

Australia
Spain

Australia–Spain relations refers to the diplomatic relations between Australia and Spain. In the 2016 Australian Census, 119,952 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.

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 1936–1939, 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]

State visits

Government visits from Australia to Spain[7]

Royal and Prime Ministerial 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]

Trade

In 2017, trade between Australia and Spain totaled $3.4 billion USD.[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 $5.1 billion USD and at the same time, Spanish investments in Australia totaled $948 million USD.[1]

Resident diplomatic missions

See also

References

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