ZCZC
BCN-17
RUSSIA-SPAIN-TRADE
Russian-Spanish trade turnover drops three-fold in the wake of sanctions –
ambassador
MADRID, Feb 10, 2019 (BSS/TASS) – The trade turnover between Russia and
Spain has dropped three-fold after the European Union imposed restrictive
measures against Russia, Russian Ambassador to Spain Yuri Korchagin told
reporters.
“Prior to 2014, our trade turnover reached ?11 bln,” the diplomat said.
“According to the data provided by the Spanish customs service, it was
approaching ?15 bln. After the EU imposed its anti-Russian restrictions the
trade turnover dropped nearly three-fold.”
“Nevertheless, we have seen an increase in the trade turnover over the past
two years,” Korchagin went on to say. “In 2018, it grew 6% to reach ?5.6 bln,
but this is incomparable with the previous figures.”
“Last year, the implementation of the major project to supply Russian LNG
to Spain began,” the diplomat stressed. “I believe this likewise contributes
to the growth of the trade turnover to some extent.”
Bilateral ties
According to the ambassador, relations between the two countries began 500
years ago. “The first full-fledged Russian embassy arrived in Spain 350 years
ago. Throughout the centuries, our contacts and dialogue have been marked by
intensity, mutual respect and interest in each other regardless of what
government was in power in Spain,” Korchagin stressed.
He added that the new government led by the Spanish Socialist Workers’
Party, which came to power last June, “immediately showed interest in
maintaining and even intensifying bilateral relations.” “A phone call
initiated by Madrid between Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Russian
President Vladimir Putin has been held,” the ambassador said. “During the
conversation, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to cultivating
bilateral ties,” he said.
“This year, some Spanish ministers received invitations to attend
international forums scheduled to be held in Russia,” the diplomat pointed
out. “In addition to that, we are planning a series of consultations at the
deputy foreign ministers’ level, which will be held in Moscow and Madrid
alternately,” Korchagin added.
BSS/TASS/HR/1455