Spain–Togo relations

Spain–Togo relations are the bilateral and diplomatic relations between these two countries. Togo does not have an embassy in Madrid[1] but their embassy in Paris is accredited for Spain, but they have a consulate in Barcelona.[2] Spain also does not have an embassy in Togo but its embassy in Accra, Ghana is accredited to this country, also has a consulate in Lomé.[3]

Spain-Togo relations

Togo	Spain

Diplomatic relations

Bilateral relations are considered cordial and friendly, without significant bilateral problems or disputes but also lacking regular relations beyond specific visits by authorities of one and another country.[4]

Relations between Spain and Togo were relaunched with the official visit to Lomé of the former President of the Government, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, in June 2009, accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the Minister of Justice and the Director of AECID and in whose framework the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding on political consultations and development cooperation took place, which constitute a good basis for deepening the bilateral relationship.[4]

Relations between Spain and Togo were relaunched with the official visit to Lomé of the former President of the Government, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, in June 2009, accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the Minister of Justice and the Director of AECID and in whose framework the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding on political consultations and development cooperation took place, which constitute a good basis for deepening the bilateral relationship.[4]

In addition to supporting the ongoing democratic reform process and boosting the presence of Spanish companies, some areas of the bilateral relationship that can be boosted are human rights dialogue, development cooperation, and cooperation in matters of migration and maritime safety.[4]

Economic relations

Economic and commercial relations intensified in the decade of 2010 significantly. In 2011 and 2012, exports from Spain to Togo doubled.[5]

Spanish exports to the African country are very modest, but they have increased at a very high rate. Between 2010 and 2011 exports go from 17 to 70 million euros and these figures double in 2012, going to 155 million euros. In 2013 the growth of Spanish exports continues with a record 213 million euros. The last available figure in the year 2015 denotes a drop in exports to 123 million euros. Togo occupies the 96th position in the ranking of clients in Spain.[5]

Cooperation

Togo has not traditionally been a priority cooperation country for Spain, although the West African region is considered a priority region for Spanish cooperation.[6]

On June 23 of 2009, on the occasion of the official visit to Lomé of the President of the Government and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation was signed, in which Both countries express their willingness to collaborate towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.[6]

References

1. List of foreign embassies in Spain Archived October 6, 2014, at the Wayback Machine.
2. List of foreign consulates in Spain Archived April 2, 2015, at the Wayback Machine
3. Ficha de Togo Office of Diplomatic Information. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. Section: Spanish Representation Data.
4. Ficha de Togo Office of Diplomatic Information. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. Section: Diplomatic relations.
5. Ficha de Togo Office of Diplomatic Information. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. Section: Economic relations.
6. Ficha de Togo Office of Diplomatic Information. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. Section: Cooperation.