Armenia–Spain relations

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Armenian-Spanish relations
Map indicating locations of Armenia and Spain

Armenia
Spain

Armenia–Spain relations refer to bilateral relations between Armenia and Spain. The importance of relations centers on the history of Armenians migration to Spain. Approximately 40,000 Armenians and their descendants reside in Spain.[1] Both nations are members of the Council of Europe.

History[]

Memorial to the Armenian genocide in Mislata.

Early relations[]

The first initial contact between Armenia and Spain took place in 1382 when deposed King Leo V from the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia arrived to Spain seeking assistance from Spanish King John I of Castile to regain his kingdom. In Spain, Leo V received the title of Lord of Madrid and stayed in Spain until 1390 when King John I of Castile died.[1] Throughout the centuries, Armenians arrived to Spain escaping war and uncertainties in their home country. Some Armenians partook in the age of exploration for Spain in the late 1400s and early 1500s.[1]

During the Armenian genocide in 1915, most Armenians did not travel Spain, but instead went to either France or former Spanish territories of Argentina and Uruguay. On 26 December 1991, Armenia regained independence after the Dissolution of the Soviet Union. On 27 May 1992, Armenia and Spain established diplomatic relations.[2]

Modern relations[]

Bilateral relations can be considered excellent but still scarce.[3] Since independence, over 20,000 Armenians have immigrated to Spain.[4] In 2003, Spain opened an honorary consulate in Yerevan. In August 2010, Armenia opened a resident embassy in Madrid.[5] In recent years, five Spanish provinces have recognized the Armenian genocide (Aragon, Balearic Islands, Basque Country, Catalonia and Navarre).[6] In 2010, a memorial was erected in Mislata, Valencia, the first monument commemorating the Armenian genocide in Spain.[7]

High-level visits[]

High-level visits from Armenia to Spain[2][5]

High-level visits from Spain to Armenia

Bilateral agreements[]

Both nations have signed several bilateral agreements, such as an Agreement on the reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments (1990); Agreement on international transportation by road (2000); Memorandum of Understanding in Tourism (2013); Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Tax Evasion (2010) and an Agreement on Cultural, Educational and Scientific Cooperation (2013).[2]

Trade[]

Embassy of Armenia in Madrid

In 2015, trade between Armenia and Spain totaled €55.8 million Euros.[2] Armenia's main exports to Spain include: ores, slag and ash. Spain's main exports to Armenia include: ceramic products, preserved fruit and vegetables, perfume, rubber and meat.[2]

Resident diplomatic missions[]

  • Armenia has an embassy in Madrid.[8]
  • Spain is accredited to Armenia from its embassy in Moscow, Russia and maintains an honorary consulate in Yerevan.[9]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c Cien Años del Genocidio Armenio (in Spanish)
  2. ^ a b c d e Bilateral relations between Spain and Armenia (in Spanish)
  3. ^ [1] Relaciones bilaterales Armenia-España, Oficina de Información Diplomática. NIPO 501-14-007-5
  4. ^ Karen Mardanyan: “En España estamos dando ahora los pasos que los armenios dieron en Francia en los años veinte” (in Spanish)
  5. ^ a b Bilateral relations between Armenia and Spain
  6. ^ Spanish lawmakers reportedly fail to recognize Armenian Genocide
  7. ^ Mislata inaugura la primera escultura que simboliza la amistad entre España y Armenia
  8. ^ Embassy of Armenia in Spain
  9. ^ Embassy of Spain in Russia
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