After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan became an independent nation in December 1991. On 11 February 1992, Kazakhstan and Spain established diplomatic relations.[1] In 1999, Spain opened a resident embassy in the former capital of Almaty before moving the embassy to Astana in 2006. That same year, Kazakhstan opened a resident embassy in Madrid.[1]
Since 1992, both nations have signed several bilateral agreements such as Agreement on the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments (1995); Agreement on Economic and Industrial Cooperation (1997); Agreement on Cultural, Educational and Scientific Cooperation (1997); Agreement to transport equipment and military personnel through Kazakh territory for Spanish stabilization and reconstruction in Afghanistan (2009); Agreement on the Elimination of Visas for Diplomatic Passport Holders (2009); Agreement on Tourism Cooperation (2009); Extradition Treaty (2012) and an Agreement on Military Cooperation (2013).[1]
Trade
In 2015, trade between Kazakhstan and Spain totaled €1.3 billion Euros.[1] Kazakhstan's main exports to Spain include: combustibles and lubricants, copper based products, inorganic chemical products, steel products and electrical equipment. Spain's main exports to Kazakhstan include: vehicles, air navigation equipment, construction equipment, clothing and shoes.[1]