Malaysia–Spain relations

Malaysia–Spain relations are the bilateral foreign relations between Malaysia and Spain. Malaysia has an embassy in Madrid,[1] and Spain has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur.[2]

Malaysia–Spain relations
Map indicating locations of Malaysia and Spain

Malaysia

Spain

History

Spain established a diplomatic relations with Malaysia on 12 May 1967 and both the Malaysian and Spanish embassy were opened in 1986.[3] A first state visit was made by the Malaysian ninth Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Azlan Shah in July 1992 while the King of Spain Juan Carlos with Queen Sofía visit Malaysia on 4 April 1995.[3]

Economic relations

Embassy of Malaysia in Madrid

In 2011, the total Malaysian exports to Spain stood at $620 million while Spanish exports to Malaysia were worth around $320 million.[4] Malaysia is where the largest Spanish investment in Southeast Asia is mostly concentrated with a large presence of Spanish companies while the presence of Malaysian companies in Spain is relatively small.[5][6] One of the Spanish companies, GMV, is also involved in the development of the proposed high-speed train between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.[6][7] Major Spanish exports to Malaysia include electrical machinery, iron and steel, fertilisers, chemicals and textiles while major Malaysian exports to Spain include rubber, palm oil and electrical device components.[6] Both countries were also in the process to increase trade relations especially in tourism and the marine industry.[8] An agreement on avoidance of double taxation and fiscal evasion has been signed between the two countries.[9][10] There is also a Malaysian Spanish Chamber of Commerce and Industry.[11]

See also

References