Diplomatic Relations:
Nepal and Spain established diplomatic relations on 13 May 1968. Nepal opened its embassy in Madrid in January 2018. The relations between Nepal and Spain have always been excellent and are based on friendship, cordiality and mutual respect. Spain does not have its residential representation in Nepal. The Spanish Embassy in New Delhi looks after Nepal. Spain has its Honorary Consulate in Kathmandu.
Nepal and Spain share common views on global issues such as climate change and multilateralism and their commitment towards global peace and harmony.
High Level Visits/ Meetings:
Nepal-Spain relations have been further nurtured and deepened by the exchange of visits and regular contacts at high levels. The visits from Nepal include the visit of the Head of State, Head of Government, government ministers and parliamentarian.
The recent one was the visit of Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr. Agni Prasad Sapkota in November 2021 to attend the 143rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union hosted by the Parliament of Spain. Similarly, Foreign Minister Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali had a telephone conversation with his Spanish counterpart Mrs. Arancha Gonzalez Laya in July 2020.
Other high-level visits in the past include the visit of Prime Minister Puspa Kamal Dahal Prachanda in 2016 and King Birendra in 1983.
Parliamentary Cooperation:
With the view to further expanding Nepal-Spain relations through the engagements at the parliament front as well, a five-member Nepal-Spain Parliamentary Friendship Group has been constituted in the Federal Parliament of Nepal in December 2024.
Development Cooperation:
There does not exit direct bilateral development assistance between Nepal and Spain so far. However, as Spain contributes to EU budget, Nepal indirectly receives the Spanish assistance through the EU window.
Spain had made important contribution in launching a flash appeal in the United Nations for supporting the relief and reconstruction of Nepal following the 2015 earthquakes by sponsoring and leading a Resolution in the General Assembly. Spain also helped Nepal by providing medical supplies and equipment during the Covid-19 pandemic under the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism.
Trade and Investment:
Looking at the trade data of last few years between the two countries, the balance of trade favours the Spanish side. The major exports to Spain include leather goods, woolen carpets, handicrafts, garments, Nepali paper and paper products. Likewise, Nepal’s imports from Spain includes chemicals, synthetic, woolen and polyester blanket, electrical goods, kitchen equipment etc.
The table below reflects the trend of export/import between the two countries.
Value in USD ‘000’
|
Year |
Export |
Import |
Balance |
|
2020 |
1,438 |
4,398 |
-2960 |
|
2021 |
1,733 |
8,295 |
-6562 |
|
2022 |
2,486 |
8,263 |
-5,777 |
Source: TEPC
As of July 2023, there were 31 projects with the Spanish FDI of NRs. 7,025.52 million creating 864 jobs.
Culture, Tourism and People-to-People ties:
Over 12,000 Spanish tourists visit Nepal every year. Similarly, there are approximately 15,000 Nepali estimated to be living in Spain. The Spanish tourists arriving in Nepal and the presence of a vibrant Nepali community in Spain have contributed to further cultivating the Nepal-Spain ties at peoples’ level.
Europe and the Americas Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
As of January 2025
