Islamabad, 30 August 2022 (TDI): During a ceremony, Ambassador-designate from Spain, Jose Antonio de Ory submitted their credentials to the President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi.
His Excellency the Ambassador of Spain, Jose Antonio de Ory, presented yesterday his Letters of Credentials to President Dr. Arif Alvi at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad. https://t.co/74FJuilLPb
— Spain in Pakistan (@SpaininPakistan) August 30, 2022
Meeting with Spain’s Ambassador
While speaking with Spain’s Ambassador, the President stressed the importance of expanding bilateral relations in the economic, commerce, investment, and tourism sectors.
He praised Spain’s assistance to Pakistan through the GSP Plus Scheme and hoped that it would continue in the future. Similarly, he highlighted the importance of completing an agreement on defense cooperation between the two countries as soon as possible.
Pakistan-Spain Ties
Bilateral relations between Pakistan and Spain have become stronger over the years, with increased mutual commerce and high-level exchanges. Cordial ties between Pakistan and Spain are supported by shared perspectives on regional and global issues.
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The two countries’ historic and cultural links predate the creation of diplomatic relations.
Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Pakistan’s national poet, also visited Spain in 1933.
His affection and regard for Spanish culture and people can be observed throughout Iqbal’s creative works. In 1994, Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto paid an official visit to Spain.
In 1995, she signed a Bilateral Agreement for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments and a Memorandum of Understanding on Financial Cooperation during her tenure as Prime Minister.
In the early 2000s, Spain, particularly Catalonia, had a significant influx of Pakistani immigrants. In April 2007, President Pervez Musharraf visited Spain, stopping in Madrid and Córdoba.
Whilst there, he met Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodrguez Zapatero and King Juan Carlos I. In June 2010, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani paid an official visit and signed a deal to eliminate double taxes.
In 2017, the volume of trade between Pakistan and Spain was $1.1 billion, with around $700 million going to Pakistan. Moreover, José Manuel Albares visited Pakistan for the first time in September 2021.
He met with then Prime Minister Imran Khan, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, and Pakistani Army Chief of Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa. Furthermore, after the Taliban took charge, he sought to facilitate safe passage for remaining Afghan collaborators with Spain.
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