K. Fedorova
Scientific researcher of
the Institute of the World Economy and International Relations
Features of the Spain’s foreign
policy: Asian and African directions
To gain deeper into this issue it should be explained
that at the beginning of the XXI century Spain hadn’t got embassies in New
Zealand and Singapore, and M. Cervantes Institute was absent in such great
capitals like Beijing, Tokyo and New Delhi. It should be noted that in Kiev
this Institute is still missing. The most of ironic in this fact that among the
all Europeans precisely Spaniards was discovered the islands of the Pacific in
the XV century and moreover, called them as Philippines in honor of King Felipe
II. But nowadays, in the conditions of the development of brand new navigation,
modern infrastructure and aviation progress, Spain lost strategic positions in
this region of the world. Obviously, such long pause in the Spanish-Asian
relations is too long, that is why forced steps needed to be implemented to
build these relationships. This process was reflected in the program of J. L.
Rodriguez Zapatero government "Plan of Asia" - action plan of the
Spanish diplomacy in Asian region [1, p. 23-35].
In the context of the Asia-Pacific region, it should
be mentioned about the visit of King of Spain Juan Carlos I and his wife Queen
Sofia in February 2006 to Vietnam and Thailand. During the visit, the monarch
family was accompanied by about 40 of Spanish businessmen and bankers who have
a great interest in the developing their business and finding new markets for
their products. This official visit was done in the framework of the J. L.
Rodriguez Zapatero’s "Action Plan for the Asia-Pacific region". Head
of State set out to improve the quality of relations with the countries of Asia
and the Pacific, and especially trade and economic. Analyzing the foreign
policy of the socialists government, it should be underlined the efficiency of
the consistency and the following of the principle of effective
multi-international relations, because for a long time, the Asia-Pacific region
was leaving unnoticed by the Spanish government.
To be realistic, the achievement of all that was
planned by socialist government failed be realized entirely, and Spain
continues to lag behind their European colleagues. Some data can be brought: in
China there were 250 Spanish branch offices in 2005, while Britain, France and
Germany had about 3000-4000 branches. In turn, the Chinese branch companies
occupied the Spanish and Portuguese markets, and for the most part, became a
significant factor of economic crisis impact in these countries, because the
cheap Chinese products hold the significant competition for national companies.
Impoverished Spanish and Portuguese, in they turn, began to buy cheaper Chinese
products, limiting the domestic producers. As a result, this trend has led to a
wave of small domestic companies bankruptcies in Spain and, in a special way,
in Portugal in 2011-2012.
Despite the diplomatic and economic breakthrough,
"Action Plan for the Asia-Pacific region" provided the encouragement
and support for contacts between the institutions of civil society, in
particular, the expansion of cultural and educational exchange programs,
opening of training institutions on issues of Asian countries in Spain and especially
in Beijing, Tokyo and New Delhi. Also there was an issue of the visa regime
facilitation and creation the loyal conditions of the border crossing for
students and businessmen. Overall "Action Plan for the Asia-Pacific
region" has become a large-scale, long-term program for structural
development of the whole complex of relations Spain - Asia-Pacific region [1,
p. 23-35].
It should be mentioned that 2007 was the year of
cross-collaboration Spain - China. It afforded an opportunity to organize a
number of official summits and was upon the cooperation of business circles of
both countries, the impulse for the organization of exhibitions, conferences,
seminars. Such way of communication contributed to the development of tourism
in both countries, because business meetings are not limited by conference
rooms and a business center.
However, besides the positive growth of the economy
and widening of the relationships, there are negative trends in relations Spain
- Asia. In particular, it is an attitude of the Spain to the SCO (Shanghai
Cooperation Organization). Spanish political scientists and analysts believe
that this organization is quite dangerous for the West, especially for the USA.
Analyzing external threats, Spanish experts argue that the USA should be worrying
about the friendship Russia - China, in particular their cooperation in the SCO
[2, p. 8]. The best demonstration of their power and influence on international
relations should be considered a common position on the UN Security Council as
for the Syrian and Iranian issues. Based on these facts, Spain needs to
construct balanced relationships with China and Russia, and at the same time,
not to grab the USA’s interests in the region [3, p. 202-205].
India is another important and promising market for the
Spanish economy. Throughout the country registered more than 400 companies - it
is almost twice as much as in China. Spanish business is presented in India in
various sectors of the economy: electricity, the agro-industrial complex,
automotive, finance, light industry, construction sector and others. Spain
occupies a pride place among the world's biggest investors to India, even
during the crisis; Spain continues to maintain its presence in the
fast-developing region [4, p. 184].
According to the analysis stated above, it should be
concluded that the Asia-Pacific vector of the foreign policy of Spain will
become increasingly important in the close future. The extension of the
bilateral relations with the countries of the region will benefit both sides, given
global trends and transnationalization of markets. Based on these facts, it is
necessary to examine closely the bilateral relations between Spain and Russia,
which ranks as third in the National Security Strategy of Spain after Europe
and America. Political strategy of the Spanish government to Russia is forming
by a complex combination of factors of the internal and external order. Spain's
membership in the European Union and NATO commits Spain to build its relations
with the Russian Federation according to the interests of international
organizations and to the position of the European partners. But also Spain
builds its own path of cooperation with Russia, guided by national interests.
The government of Spain considers relations with
Russia, as the preferred strategic partnerships, which are necessary for Spain
and the European Union as well, for an adequate response to the current global
challenges. Taking D. Medvedev in Madrid in March 2009, Prime Minister J. L.
Rodriguez Zapatero said: "Spain is considering Russia as a strategic
partner in the international relations. The Russian contribution is absolutely
necessary to solve the problems we face: the financial crisis, the spread of
weapons of mass destruction, climate changes, peace and security, forming a
balanced and multi-polar world order" [5].
The trade relations between Russia and Spain generally
coincide with the general course of the EU countries. However, it should be
noted that only a few years ago, Spain took very poor place in the Russian foreign
policy. To have the deepest understanding of the level of bilateral relations
it should be given to the following figures: in 2005 the trade turnover of
Russia with Germany amounted about $ 33 bn., with Italy $ 24 bn., but Spain -
less than $ 3 bn. [4, p. 187].
In this regard, it should be accented that 2011 was
the year of cross-cooperation between Spain and Russia and during that time
more than 400 events devoted to culture, education and tourism were held. The
main political decision was a bilateral treaty initiative "Partnership for
modernization", which included the following: the strengthening of the
institutional framework for cooperation, cooperation between the various
Spanish and Russian regions and provinces, the transition to a qualitatively
new level of direct relations between the leading business entities of both
countries, creating a strong financial base of trade and economic cooperation,
providing priority to cooperation in science and high technology [6].
The importance of African vector in Spanish foreign
policy was significantly increased during the J. L. Rodriguez Zapatero
presidency. The legal base of the relations was the first project "Plan
Africa" (2006-2008) and its second upgraded version (2009-2012). This
document expanded Spanish presence in Africa and included much wider goals than
a typical assistance in the development of third world countries. It was about
branching relations in trade, education, health, culture, environment, and
other. Also, this Plan has stimulated the region in adherence of human rights,
gender equality, supporting the democratic process, peace and security within
its territory.
It is of importance to note that Africa is the least
developed countries continent and also the region, the annual growth rate of
which counts 6% during the last decade. This opens up wide opportunities for
the Spanish economy and proving that only six countries require special
attention of the AECID among the ten countries considered important for the
Spanish Foreign Ministry. The other four oil-producing countries include
Nigeria, Angola and Kenya (key European partner in the struggle against piracy
in the Indian Ocean) [7].
It should be noticed, that the disadvantage of the
relations between Spain and Africa includes the lack of balanced policy as to
the protection of human rights and supporting democracy. There are just two
examples to illustrate these differences. The first concerns the Republic of
Guinea (the country that needs special attention, according AECID), where the
political situation was extremely volatile since 2010. From the beginning Spain
confirmed its readiness to building and maintain the peace and security in the
country, taking to Guinea € 1,8 m. aid in 2010; but then Spain sold arms and
ammunition up to € 2,4 m. A few months
later the local police killed more than 150 people at strikes for democracy
[8].
Another example is the Spanish-speaking Equatorial
Guinea, that ruled by despotic authoritarianism led by Teodoro Obiang. In the
last election in 2009, his party won 99 seats in parliament out of 100. The
last place went to the United Party for Social Democracy. Shamefully for
Spanish diplomacy this tyrant received financial support from the Spanish
government, despite the fact that his regime generally incompatible with
democratic values. This loyal attitude could be explained by mercantile
interests of Spaniards, because Equatorial Guinea ranks first in the Black
African oil and gas. This business is mutually beneficial: Spain supplies
Equatorial Guinea machinery and equipment for oil and gas, obtaining in
response a discount on a final product. So, the main importers of oil and gas
of Equatorial Guinea is Spain, China and the USA [8].
Spain has lack of the historical ties with the African
continent, in comparison with the France or the United Kingdom. Despite the
increasing of the volume of a typical Spanish aid to African countries from € 2
bn. in 2003 to almost € 5 bn. in 2010, Spain cannot even compete with the USA
or China. In addition, the contemporary economic crisis impedes Spain increased
aid volumes at the moment.
Conclusions. Considering the analysis stated above, the improvement of Asian and
African areas of the foreign policy of Spain requires the approval of the
obtained progress of cooperation in the region, and moreover, the usage of a
range of opportunities that are available within the EU. However, such policy
will deep the Spain-EU relations and will demonstrate the strong sides of the
Spanish foreign policy positions as a member-state of that even in difficult
times helps to weaker countries. Thus, the image of Spain in the EU will be
increased, despite the contemporary impact of the credit and debt crisis in the
country. Through programs founded by J. L. Rodriguez Zapatero "Plan
Asia" and "Africa Plan", the Spanish foreign policy revived
their presence and appropriately positioned its interests on distant remote
regions of the world. It is of importance to note that the existence of the
objective problems and contradictions in some way aggravates the balance of
bilateral and multilateral relations of Spanish foreign policy; but the process
improves through diplomacy and soft power, Spain builds a global image as a
benevolent and provident partner.
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