Poland–Spain relations
Poland–Spain relations are cultural and political relations between Poland and Spain. Both nations are members of the European Union, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, NATO, the Council of Europe and the United Nations. Historical relations. First contact between the Kingdoms of Poland and Spain date to Late Middle Ages, where merchants, travelers and Jesuits traveled between both countries. Early Polish diplomats in Spain in the 16th century included Johannes Dantiscus and Piotr Dunin-Wolski. While the Polish and Spanish forms of governments evolved in a different direction, the diplomacy of both countries was more  likely to support one another than not. In 1557, Queen Bona Sforza of Poland made a loan to King Philip II of Spain, most of which was never repaid, despite Polish diplomatic efforts and requests (see Neapolitan sums). In 1639 the two kingdoms signed a military treaty; however, it has not been implemented. Polish writer and translator Andrzej Chryzostom Załuski was a Polish diplomat in Spain in the 1670s. Spain was the only country to protest over the First Partition of Poland, and in 1795, following the final Third Partition of Poland, Spanish diplomat Don Domingo de Yriarte was one  of the last foreign diplomats to vacate his post in Warsaw. During the Peninsular War (1809–1814) in Spain, a number of Polish soldiers fought on the side of Napoleon. The Vistula Legion gained fame at the Battle of Saragossa. The Polish Chevau-léger regiment distinguished itself at the Battle of Somosierra in 1808 In the early 20th century a number of Polish volunteers participated in the Spanish Civil War on the Republican side and were primarily assigned to the Dabrowski Battalion. Poland and Spain re-established diplomatic relations on 30 May 1919, after Poland regained independence in the aftermath of  World War I. During World War II, Spain remained neutral and did not participate in the war directly. Despite pressure from Germany, Spain did not close the Polish embassy, and it was still able to represent the Polish government-in-exile. The Honorary Consulate of Poland in Barcelona organized temporary accommodation, false documents and transport for Polish civilians and military who fled from France to Spain in 1939-1942 with the intention of reaching the United Kingdom. In 1945, Poland regained its independence after Nazi and Soviet occupation. Relations between Poland and Spain were not re-established until 31 January  1977, as the government of the People's Republic of Poland refused to recognize the Falangist government of General Francisco Franco. After the Autumn of Nations and formation of a new, non-communist Polish government, both countries signed a Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in 1992. In 1998, both countries signed a Common Polish-Spanish Declaration. Since 2003, irregular bilateral conferences between prime ministers of both nations take place; as of 2012 eight such meetings have taken place. High-level visits. Presidential and Prime Ministerial visits from Poland to Spain Royal and Prime Ministerial visits from Spain to Poland Cultural  relations. Certain ties in Polish and Spanish cultures can be explained by the fact that Poland and Spain had the highest percentage of petty nobility in Europe (hidalgos, szlachta), which encouraged ties between educated elites, and mutual references. Even more importantly, both countries also shared a strong Catholic history, on the frontier of struggles against the Muslims (Antemurale Christianitatis, Reconquista). Spain had a significant influence on Polish culture, particularly in literature. Spanish works have been translated into Polish and Spain was a setting of some famous Polish works such as "The Manuscript Found in Saragossa", and influenced major Polish literary  figures, such as Juliusz Słowacki. In the 21st century both governments promoted their partner's culture at home, with the Polish Year in Spain in 2002 and the Spanish Year in Poland in 2003. Spain is a popular tourist destination for Poles, with about half a million of Poles visiting Spain each year. The Spanish language is a popular foreign language in Poland. Polish community in Spain. Spain has an estimated Polish community of 100,000 people, many who arrived to Spain after World War II and after Poland joined the European Union in 2004. Trade. In 2017, trade between Poland  Spain totaled €8 billion Euros. Poland's main exports to Spain include: automobile, machinery, pharmaceutical products, electronics and furniture. Spain's main exports to Poland include: automobiles, electrical equipment, electronics and machinery. In 2016, Spanish companies invested €171 million Euros in Poland, becoming the 6th largest foreign direct investor in the country.