Spain–Vanuatu relations


Spain–Vanuatu relations are the bilateral and diplomatic relations between these two countries. Vanuatu does not have embassy in Spain, but its embassy in Brussels is accredited to Spain. The Spanish Embassy in Canberra, Australia, is accredited in Vanuatu, as well as the Spanish consulate in Sydney. In addition, Spain has an Honorary Consulate in Port Vila.

Historical relations

In 1606, the explorer Hispanic-Portuguese Pedro Fernández de Quirós became the first European to reach the islands; believing that he had reached the Terra Australis baptized the archipelago with the name of Terra Austrialia of the Holy Spirit and founded a colony: New Jerusalem in the Holy Spirit Island.

Diplomatic relations

Spain maintains diplomatic relations with Vanuatu since April 30 of 1981. There are few but very important historical links with Spain: on May 14 of 1606 sailors in the service of the Crown of Spain, Pedro Fernández de Quirós and Luis Vaez de Torres discovered the island of Espiritu Santo. Quiros and Torres anchored in the southeast of the so-called Great Bay, taking possession of those lands, which they called "Australia of the Holy Spirit." Both navigators remained there for some time.
On May 14, 2006, the fourth centenary of the event was solemnly commemorated with various acts. In the presence of the Vanuate government, the Ambassador of Spain in Vanuatu delivered a bust of Quirós, which was located at the landing site in the aforementioned bay.

Cooperation

Bilateral relations, both politically and commercially, between Spain and Vanuatu are scarce, mainly within the framework of EU cooperation with Vanuatu through the programs of the Development Funds and the Economic Partnership Agreement. The country is under the jurisdiction of the Spanish Embassy in Canberra, and consular affairs are addressed from the Consulate General of Spain in Sydney, which is reinforced by the existence of an Honorary Consulate of Spain in Port Vila.