Moldova–Spain relations

Last updated
Moldavian-Spanish relations
Moldova Spain Locator.png
Flag of Moldova.svg
Moldova 		Flag of Spain.svg
Spain

Moldovan-Spanish relations are foreign relations between Spain and Moldova. On 30 January 1992, Spain established diplomatic relations with Moldova. Spain is represented in Moldova via its embassy in Bucharest in Romania. [1] [2]

Contents

In 2008, the Spanish government indicated that 12,582 Moldovan citizens were legally working there. [3] Spain was a significant investor in Moldova through Unión Fenosa which owns three of Moldova's five energy distribution companies. [4] [5] [6] Fenosa/Naturgy sold off her stock in the companies. Spain is a member of the European Union, which Moldova applied for in 2022.

History

On January 30, 1992, Spain established diplomatic relations with Moldova. The spokesman of Foreign Affairs Department of the Popular Party, Javier Rupérez, headed the Spanish delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe on 23 February 1994 to Chişinău to observe the development of the first democratic elections in Moldova. [2] The observers maintained contacts with the first President of Moldova Snegur and other authorities of the country. In the same date the then Spanish president, Felipe González, sent a letter to the Moldovan Government explaining the benefits that the entrance in the "Association for Peace" of NATO would suppose for Moldova. González promised in its message that Spain followed with interest the development of the events in Moldova and was prepared to propose initiatives that contributed to the security and the stability in the zone. [2]

On 8 July 1997 Petru Lucinschi, and Mihai Popov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs attended a NATO summit in Madrid. [2] In 1998, Spain was not represented in Chişinău, but used its embassy in Bucharest. [1]

In September 2000, Petru Lucinschi met in New York with José María Aznar, President of the Spanish Government at the Millennium Summit. [7] On 6 November 2000 the Secretary of State for European Affairs, Ramon de Miguel, traveled to Moldova to carry out a visit of work of two days during which he analyzed the bilateral relations with the president of the Republic, Petru Lucinschi, and with prime minister, Dumitru Braghis. Miguel also met with the Deputy Prime-Minister for Defense Affairs, Valeriu Cosarciuc, the Minister of Exteriors, Nicolae Tabacuru and the Vice-Minister, Iurie Leanca, as well as with the President of the Commission for Transnistria Vasile Sturza, a group of Spanish industrialists and several members of the Moldovan Parliament. During his stay in Moldova, Miguel inaugurated the Center of Hispanic Studies at the State University of Moldova. The trip was consequence of the meeting that in September had maintained in New York Lucinschi with the president of the Spanish Government, José Maria Aznar. [2] Also in 2000 Spanish military experts visited to Moldova to report on the War of Transnistria. Their trip was cut short and they returned home after 2 days after local authorities suspended their visit. [8]

In October 2005, the new ambassador of Spain in Bucharest, Juan Pablo Garci'a-Berdoy, visited Chişinău to offer credentials and he met with the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eugenia Kistruga. The Vice-Minister communicated to the ambassador the possibility of opening the Embassy of Moldova in Madrid in 2006 or 2007. He asked for the opening of the Embassy of Spain in Chişinău. The first visit to Spain by a Moldovan foreign minister took place on 5 October 2006. [9]

There was a visit to Madrid on 6 October 2006 by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Moldova, Andrei Stratan. He emphasized the new bilateral relations between Spain and Moldova. [2]

In March 2007 Moldova hoped that with Spain in the Presidency of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe they would have mediation in the Transnistria conflict. [10] [11] In May 2007 a meeting on the conflict took place in Madrid. [11] Representing Spain was D. José María Pons and Miguel Ángel Moratinos of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. [2] In October 2007 The Spanish minister made his first-ever visit to Chişinău. A formal announcement was made of Chişinău's intention to open Moldova's embassy in Madrid. [12]

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in 2022 Visita oficial del presidente del Gobierno a la Republica de Moldavia (10).jpg
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in 2022

In June 2022, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez made the first visit ever of a Spanish head of government to Moldova, meeting with Moldovan president Maia Sandu and prime minister Natalia Gavrilita. [13] Sánchez announced the plan to open a diplomatic office in Chişinău, and told Sandu Spain's position defending "the sovereignty and territorial integrity" of Moldova "within its internationally recognized borders". [14] Minister Plenipotentiary Juan Antonio Martin Burgos was appointed and acredited as Chargé d'Affaires a.i., Head of the Diplomatic Office of the Kingdom of Spain in Chisinau in June 2022.

Economic relations

Spain is a significant investor in Moldova with the presence of the energy company Union Fenosa which owns three of Moldova's five energy distribution companies. [4] [5] [6] [15] Spain is the third foreign investor in Moldova since the year 2000. Spain's commerce between Moldova is listed below in millions of €: [2]

Commercial balance2003200420052006
Import20,9317,843,566,51
Export7,689,4711,3311,18
Balance-13,25-8,377,774,67
Rate cover36,6053,00318,20171,70
 % Import variation-40,69-14,76-80,0482,87
 % Export variation14,8023,3119,64-1,32

Agreements

Resident diplomatic missions

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Foreign relations of Moldova</span>

After achieving independence from the Soviet Union, the Republic of Moldova established relations with other European countries. A course for European Union integration and neutrality define the country's foreign policy guidelines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Petru Lucinschi</span> President of Moldova from 1997 to 2001

Petru Lucinschi is a former Moldovan politician who was Moldova's second President from 1997 to 2001. He currently serves as the founder and head of the Lucinschi Foundation of Strategic Studies and International Relations.

The 1997 Moscow memorandum, also known as the Primakov memorandum, was an agreement governing relations between Moldova and Transnistria aimed at solving the Transnistria conflict.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moldova–Romania relations</span> Bilateral relations

Modern Moldova-Romania relations emerged after the Republic of Moldova gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Pan-Romanianism has been a consistent part of Moldovan politics, and was adopted in the Popular Front of Moldova's platform in 1992. The official language of Moldova is Romanian. The peoples of the two countries share common traditions and folklore, including a common name for the monetary unit – the leu. At present, relations between the two states are exceptionally friendly, especially on account of the pro-Romanian administration of Maia Sandu in Moldova.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moldova–Russia relations</span> Bilateral relations

Moldova–Russia relations are the bilateral relations between the Republic of Moldova and the Russian Federation, two Eastern European, post-Soviet, ex-communist countries. Russian support for the self-proclaimed Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (Transnistria) and a substantial Russian military presence therein strained Moldovan relations with Russia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Outline of Moldova</span> Overview of and topical guide to Moldova

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to Moldova:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moldova–Ukraine relations</span> Bilateral relations

Moldova–Ukraine relations are the bilateral/diplomatic/foreign relations between the sovereign states of Moldova and Ukraine. The Moldova–Ukraine border is 985 kilometers. Ukrainians are the third largest ethnic group in Moldova, behind Moldovans and Romanians. Both countries were former republics of the Soviet Union and are also the poorest countries in Europe. Both countries have applied for membership to join the European Union in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Netherlands–Romania relations</span> Bilateral relations

Netherlands–Romania relations are the bilateral relations between the Netherlands and Romania. The Ambassador to Romania is concurrently accredited to Moldova. Romania has an embassy in The Hague and honorary consulates in Heeg, Rotterdam and Venlo. The Netherlands has an embassy in Bucharest, honorary consulates in Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara and Constanța, and since 2016 an office in Chișinău in Moldova.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Austria–Moldova relations</span> Bilateral relations

Austria-Moldova relations are the bilateral relations between Austria and Moldova. Both countries established the diplomatic relations on 25 March 1992. Austria is represented in Moldova through its embassy in Chișinău. Moldova has an embassy in Vienna. Austria supports Moldova's European Union membership.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moldova–Switzerland relations</span> Bilateral relations

Moldova–Switzerland relations are the bilateral relations between Moldova and Switzerland. Both countries established diplomatic relations on September 2, 1992. Moldova is represented in Switzerland through its embassy to the United Nations in Geneva. Switzerland is represented in Moldova through its embassy in Kyiv (Ukraine) and an honorary consulate in Chişinău. Since 1992 various senior Moldovan officials have visited Switzerland to discuss improvements in bilateral relations. Switzerland has provided significant aid to Moldova. Both nations are members of the Council of Europe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Serbia–Spain relations</span> Bilateral relations

Serbia-Spain relations are foreign relations between Serbia and Spain. Both countries established diplomatic relations on October 14, 1916. Serbia has an embassy in Madrid. Spain has an embassy in Belgrade. Both countries are member states of the UN, Interpol, COE and OSCE. Spain is member state of the EU since 1986 and Serbia is a candidate country since 2012 negotiating its future membership which Spain is strongly supporting. In relation to third parties, both countries supported position of Argentina in its Falkland Islands sovereignty dispute with the United Kingdom in the past.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moldova–Slovenia relations</span> Bilateral relations

Moldova–Slovenia relations are the bilateral relations between Moldova and Slovenia. Moldova recognized the Republic of Slovenia under an unknown date. Diplomatic relations were established on October 27, 1993. Both countries are represented in each other through their embassies in Budapest (Hungary). Slovenia is a member of the European Union, which Moldova applied for in 2022. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of independent Moldova</span>

The following is timeline of the History of independent Moldova which started after the independence of Moldova.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moldova–NATO relations</span> Bilateral relations

Official relations between Moldova and NATO began in 1992 when Moldova joined the North Atlantic Cooperation Council. However, as Moldova's neutrality is enshrined in its constitution, there are no official plans for Moldova to join the organization.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Denmark–Moldova relations</span> Bilateral relations

Denmark – Moldova relations refers to the current and historical relations between Denmark and Moldova. Neither country has a resident ambassador. The Moldovan Ambassador to Denmark is Igor Corman, who resides in Berlin and was appointed in 2005. The Danish Ambassador in Moldova is Ole Harald Lisborg, who resides in Bucharest. Denmark is a member of the European Union, which Moldova applied for in 2022. Both countries are full members of Council of Europe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moldova–Poland relations</span> Bilateral relations

Moldova–Poland relations refers to the relationship between Moldova and Poland. The two countries established relations following the independence of Moldova at 1991. Poland is a member of the European Union, which Moldova applied for in 2022. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe. Also Moldova is an EU candidate and Poland is an EU member.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moldova–Transnistria relations</span> Bilateral relations

Moldova–Transnistria relations are the political and economic relations between the Republic of Moldova and Transnistria, an unrecognized state between the Dniester River and Ukraine. During the dissolution of the Soviet Union, political tensions in the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic led to Transnistria declaring independence from Moldova, culminating in the Transnistrian War of 1992. As part of the ceasefire agreement ending the war, a Joint Control Commission composed of Moldovan, Transnistrian, and Russian forces was established to supervise the demilitarized zone which was located in the Transnistrian region. The Joint Control Commission still supervises the zone, and negotiations to resolve the dispute are ongoing. The negotiations are supported by the Russian Federation, Ukraine, the United States, the European Union, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Macedonia–Spain relations</span> Bilateral relations

North Macedonia–Spain relations are the bilateral and diplomatic relations between these two countries. North Macedonia has an embassy in Madrid and three consulates in Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia. Spain has an embassy in Skopje. Both countries are members of the Council of Europe, and NATO. Also North Macedonia is an EU candidate and Spain is an EU member.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">South Korea–Spain relations</span> Bilateral relations

South Korea–Spain relations are the bilateral and diplomatic relations between these two countries. Spain has an embassy in Seoul. South Korea has an embassy in Madrid and a consulate general in Barcelona and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The bilateral relations are good and friendly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Guinea–Spain relations</span> Bilateral relations

Guinea–Spain relations are the bilateral and diplomatic relations between these two countries. Guinea has an embassy in Madrid and honorary consulate in Barcelona, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Valencia. Spain has an embassy in Conakry.

References

  1. 1 2 "Six Foreign Ambassadors Appointed for Moldova Did not Present their Accrediting Letters Yet". Moldova.org. Archived from the original on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2009-06-01. Thus in 1998 Spain decided to be represented at Chişinău through its embassy from Bucharest and not through the one from Moscow. ...
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Moldavia" (PDF). Spain. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-03-24. Retrieved 2009-06-01.
  3. ↑ "Extranjeros con tarjeta de residencia en vigor incluidos en el Régimen General según nacionalidad y tipo de autorización de residencia. 31-12-2008". Secretaría de Estado de Inmigración y Emigración. Retrieved 2009-06-01.
  4. 1 2 "Moldova: Fine against Spanish energy company canceled". Asia Africa Intelligence Wire. April 2, 2003. Retrieved 2009-06-01. A controversial fine imposed by a Moldovan state agency against a Spanish energy company has been cancelled. Union Fenosa, which owns three of Moldova's five energy distribution companies, has complained of increasing pressure by the Moldovan authorities. Recently, the World Bank stated that all claims against the company must be dropped before Moldova can receive...
  5. 1 2 "Moldova". Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Archived from the original on 2008-05-26. Retrieved 2009-06-01.
  6. 1 2 "Union Fenosa" (PDF). Seerecon. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 12, 2007. Retrieved 2009-06-01. Union Fenosa's main direct investment has been in the former Soviet republic of Moldova
  7. ↑ "Millennium Summit". Associated Press. 7 September 2000. Moldova, President Petru Lucinschi ... Spain, Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar met
  8. ↑ "Spanish military experts suspend visit to Moldova". Basapress news agency at the BBC . January 27, 2000. Retrieved 2009-06-01.
  9. ↑ "Moldovan, Spanish ministers discuss migration, Dniester conflict". Infotag news agency at the BBC . 9 October 2006. Retrieved 2009-06-01.
  10. ↑ "Moldova's rebel region seeks Spain's understanding in settlement talks". Infotag news agency at the BBC . March 1, 2007. Retrieved 2009-06-01.
  11. 1 2 "Transnistria mediators and observers to meet in Madrid". Moldova.org. January 23, 2007. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved 2009-06-01.
  12. 1 2 "Moldovan president, Spanish minister discuss economic ties, Dniester". Moldova One TV at the BBC . October 8, 2007. Retrieved 2009-06-01. ...
  13. ↑ "Pedro Sánchez visita el principal centro de refugiados ucranianos en Moldavia". eldiario.es . 3 June 2022.
  14. ↑ "España se ofrece a acoger 2.000 refugiados ucranianos que residen en Moldavia y Sánchez anuncia la apertura de una oficina diplomática en Chisináu". Cadena SER . 3 June 2022.
  15. ↑ "Union Fenosa". Union Fenosa. Archived from the original on March 28, 2009. Retrieved 2009-06-01. Union Fenosa has operated in the Republic of Moldova since February 2000 by ...
  16. 1 2 Agreement between the Government of Kingdom of Spain and the Government of the Republic of Moldova. United Nations . Retrieved 2009-06-01.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.