History of Argentina–Spain relations in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 15, 2026

Argentina–Spain relations are rooted in deep historical, linguistic, and cultural ties stemming from Spain’s colonial presence in the Americas. Following Argentina's independence in the 19th century, the two nations maintained strong diplomatic links, characterized by significant waves of Spanish immigration to Argentina. In the 20th and 21st centuries, the bilateral relationship has been marked by robust economic cooperation, trade, and shared memberships in international organizations like the Ibero-American General Secretariat. While relations have generally remained cordial and collaborative, they have occasionally faced tensions, often triggered by political rhetoric or disputes over nationalized industries—most notably the 2012 expropriation of YPF from the Spanish firm Repsol. Despite these sporadic diplomatic frictions, the bond remains defined by a 'strategic partnership' underpinned by extensive personal, familial, and business connections, ensuring that Spain remains a vital gateway for Argentina into Europe and vice versa.

1910: Donation of the Monument to the Carta Magna and Four Regions of Argentina

In 1910, to commemorate the centenary of the May Revolution, the Spanish community in Argentina donated the Monument to the Carta Magna and Four Regions of Argentina as a gesture of historical and diplomatic connection between the two nations.

1947: Bilateral Agreements on Air Transport and Visas

In 1947, Argentina and Spain strengthened their diplomatic ties by signing both an Air Transportation Agreement and an Agreement on the Elimination of Visas to facilitate movement and connectivity.

1947: Eva Perón's Diplomatic Visit and Aid to Spain

In 1947, Eva Perón, the first lady of Argentina, traveled to Spain as part of a diplomatic mission where she provided a significant humanitarian contribution of five million tons of food to the Spanish population.

1960: Agreement on Migration

Argentina and Spain formalized an Agreement on Migration in 1960 to regulate and manage the movement of people between the two nations.

1971: Agreement on Cultural Cooperation

In 1971, the two countries entered into an Agreement on Cultural Cooperation to promote and exchange cultural assets and knowledge.

1972: Agreement on Scientific and Technical Cooperation

Argentina and Spain established an Agreement on Scientific and Technical Cooperation in 1972, fostering joint research and technological exchange.

1974: Agreement on Economic Cooperation

In 1974, an Agreement on Economic Cooperation was signed to enhance trade and financial interaction between Argentina and Spain.

1975: Death of General Franco

In 1975, the death of General Francisco Franco occurred in Spain, marking the beginning of a significant political transition for the nation.

1976: Beginning of Argentine Military Dictatorship

In 1976, Argentina entered into a period of military dictatorship that would persist for several years.

1982: Invasion of the Falkland Islands

In 1982, Argentina initiated an invasion of the Falkland Islands, an action for which Spain expressed support regarding Argentina's territorial claims.

1983: End of Argentine Military Dictatorship

The period of military dictatorship in Argentina, which began in 1976, finally came to an end in 1983.

1987: Extradition Treaty

The governments of Argentina and Spain signed an Extradition Treaty in 1987 to facilitate the legal process of returning individuals accused or convicted of crimes to the jurisdiction where the offense occurred.

1991: Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investments

In 1991, Argentina and Spain signed the Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investments to secure foreign direct investment between the two nations.

2002: Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Drivers License

Argentina and Spain entered into an Agreement on mutual recognition of Drivers License in 2002, allowing citizens to use their respective driving permits in either country.

2012: Nationalization of YPF and Diplomatic Dispute

In 2012, a significant diplomatic dispute occurred between Argentina and Spain when the Argentine government moved to nationalize the energy company YPF, which was owned by the Spanish firm Repsol. The Spanish government cautioned that this action would negatively impact bilateral relations between the two nations.

2012: Declassification of British Documents

In 2012, declassified British documents revealed that Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher had expressed concern in 1982 that Spain might invade Gibraltar in support of Argentina.

2013: Agreement on the Avoidance of Double-Taxation

In 2013, both nations signed the Agreement on the Avoidance of Double-Taxation to prevent individuals and businesses from being taxed on the same income in both Argentina and Spain.

May 2014: Quino receives Princess of Asturias Award

In May 2014, the renowned Argentine cartoonist Quino, best known for his iconic comic strip Mafalda, was honored with the Princess of Asturias Award for Communication and Humanities.

2014: Extradition request for Antonio González Pacheco

In 2014, an Argentine judge, María Romilda Servini, formally requested the extradition of former Spanish police inspector Antonio González Pacheco. This move was part of an Argentine legal effort to prosecute criminal acts allegedly committed during the Franco regime. However, the Spanish High Court ultimately refused the request, citing that the statute of limitations for the accusations had already expired.

May 2017: Les Luthiers receives Princess of Asturias Award

In May 2017, the Argentine humorous-musical group Les Luthiers was recognized for their work with the Princess of Asturias Award.

2017: Bilateral Trade Volume and Economic Relations in 2017

In 2017, the economic exchange between Argentina and Spain reached a total of €2.7 billion. Argentina exported commodities such as animal products, frozen fish, crustaceans, sea mussels, copper, and organic chemicals, while Spain provided automobile components, electrical equipment, and pharmaceuticals to the Argentine market. Additionally, major Spanish firms like Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, Banco Santander, Mapfre, Telefónica, and Zara maintained operations within Argentina during 2017.

2018: Spanish Investment in Argentina

In 2018, Spain solidified its economic position as the second-largest foreign investor in Argentina, with total investment figures reaching over €9.8 million Euros.

February 2020: Establishment of Twinning Tourist Guide Between Córdoba, Spain and Córdoba, Argentina

In February 2020, a collaborative tourist guide was launched to link the cities of Córdoba in Spain and Córdoba in Argentina. This initiative aims to highlight the shared linguistic and cultural heritage of both cities, moving beyond their shared name to promote tourism and mutual understanding.

December 2020: Gibraltar Agreement

As of 31 December 2020, Spain and the United Kingdom reached a diplomatic agreement regarding the Gibraltar dispute.

June 2021: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visits Argentina

In June 2021, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez traveled to Argentina to hold an official meeting with President Alberto Fernández, strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations.

May 2022: President Alberto Fernández visits Spain

During May 2022, Argentine President Alberto Fernández conducted a formal visit to Spain as part of ongoing bilateral cooperation and diplomacy between the countries.

June 2022: Twinning of Cura Brochero and Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage paths

In June 2022, Argentina and Spain initiated an agreement to twin the pilgrimage paths of Cura Brochero located in Córdoba with the historic Camino de Santiago in Galicia, aiming to foster the exchange of knowledge regarding Christian pilgrimage traditions.

2022: Agreement on Innovation and Technological Development

In 2022, Argentina and Spain committed to an Agreement to strengthen bilateral cooperation in innovation and technological development, focusing on future-oriented industries.

January 2023: Argentina promotes tourism at FITUR

In January 2023, Argentina utilized the FITUR trade fair to leverage its longstanding historical and familial connections with Spain to enhance tourism between the two nations.

2023: 2023 Argentine presidential election

During the 2023 Argentine presidential election, Pedro Sánchez endorsed the Kircherist candidate Sergio Massa; however, Javier Milei won the election, signaling a departure from the policies of Argentine Peronists and Sánchez.

April 2024: Diplomatic tensions regarding substance abuse allegations

In April 2024, Spanish minister Óscar Puente alleged that Argentine President Javier Milei consumes substances, marking a significant point of contention in the diplomatic relations between Spain and Argentina.