Foreign relations of Bolivia

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Bolivia traditionally has maintained normal diplomatic relations with all hemispheric states except Chile. Foreign relations are handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by the Chancellor of Bolivia, Rogelio Mayta.

Overview

Relations with Chile, strained since Bolivia's defeat in the War of the Pacific (1879–1883) and its loss of the coastal province of Atacama, were severed from 1962 to 1975 in a dispute over the use of the waters of the Lauca River.[1] Relations were resumed in 1975 but broken again in 1978 over the inability of the two countries to reach an agreement that solved the Atacama border dispute, which might have granted Bolivia a sovereign access to the sea.[1] In the 1960s, relations with Cuba were broken by the Bolivian dictatorship following Castro's rise to power but resumed under the Paz Estenssoro Administration in 1985, which came to power through democratic elections.[1]

Bolivia pursues a foreign policy with a heavy economic component.[1] Bolivia has become more active in the Organization of American States (OAS), the Rio Group, and in MERCOSUR, with which it signed an association agreement in 1996.[1] Bolivia promotes its policies on sustainable development and the empowerment of indigenous people.[1]

Bolivia is a member of the United Nations and some of its specialized agencies and related programs; OAS; Andean Community; Intelsat; Non-Aligned Movement; International Parliamentary Union; Latin American Integration Association ALADI; World Trade Organization; Rio Treaty; Rio Group; and Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia (URUPABOL, restarted in 1993).[1] As an outgrowth of the 1994 Summit of the Americas, Bolivia hosted a hemispheric summit conference on sustainable development in December 1996.[1] A First Ladies' hemispheric summit was also hosted by Bolivia that same month.

The GeGaLo Index of gains and losses after energy transition ranks Bolivia 128th out of 156 countries.[2] It is thus among the countries that will lose strength on the international stage if a global transition to renewable energy is carried out and there is no longer demand for Bolivian oil and gas.[2] It is estimated to experience the third largest loss of all Latin American countries (after Colombia and Venezuela).

United Nations involvement

Bolivia, being one of the founding members of the United Nations,[3] has frequently been involved with the Intergovernmental Organisation . In November 2008, the Bolivian contingent of UN peacekeeping troops with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was relocated to safety, as at least one other regional state was also reviewing its own mission's security. The country had a detachment of 130 soldiers that was working in Bukavu, but was moved to a location near Goma.[4] Bolivia currently serves as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, with a two-year term ending in 2018. While a member of the Security Council, Bolivia strongly criticized United States President Donald Trump's decision to move the United States' Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and called for a public meeting of the Security Council to respond to the decision.[5] The Bolivian delegation also joined Russia in casting a negative vote for the renewal of the OPCW-UN Joint Investigative Mechanism in Syria, citing technical concerns about the Mechanism.[6]

During the United Nations General Assembly Resolution ES-11/1, on March 2, 2022, Bolivia voted to abstain, along with 34 other nations.

International disputes

Bolivia has wanted a sovereign corridor to the South Pacific Ocean since the Atacama area was lost to Chile in 1884; dispute with Chile over Rio Lauca water rights.[7]

Since the accession of Carlos Mesa to the Presidency, Bolivia has pressed its demands for a corridor to the Pacific. In March 2004, Mesa announced that the government would stage a series of public rallies across the country and in Bolivian embassies abroad in remembrance of those who died in the War of the Pacific, and to call for Chile to grant Bolivia a seacoast. Mesa made this demand a cornerstone of his administration's policy.

President Evo Morales maintained a hard position on this issue of which the symbolic importance is underlined by the fact that Bolivia also still has a navy, despite it not currently having access to the sea. In October 2018, the ICJ (International Court of Justice), ruled against Bolivia in a case that would determine whether or not Bolivia could force Chile to negotiate access to the sea. However, the ICJ did state that cooperation was desirable if workable solutions are to be found.

Illicit drugs

Bolivia is the world's third-largest cultivator of coca (after Peru and Colombia) with an estimated 218 square kilometres (84 sq mi) under cultivation in 1999, a 45% decrease in overall cultivation of coca from 1998 levels; intermediate coca products and cocaine exported to or through Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile to the United States and other international drug markets; alternative crop program aims to reduce illicit coca cultivation.[7]

Diplomatic relations

List of countries which Bolivia maintains diplomatic relations with:

More information #, Country ...
# Country Date
1 Peru 24 June 1826[8]
2 France 19 June 1831[9]
3 Mexico 21 November 1831[10]
4 Argentina 16 October 1835[11]
5 Chile 1 August 1840[12]
6 United Kingdom 29 September 1840[13]
7 Ecuador 7 April 1842[14]
8 Uruguay 1 November 1843[15]
9 Spain 21 July 1847[16]
10 United States 3 January 1849[17]
11 Belgium 27 September 1850[18]
12 Italy 25 February 1864[19]
13 Brazil 27 March 1867[20]
— Holy See 6 August 1877[21]
14 Portugal 10 May 1879[22]
15 Paraguay 15 October 1879[23]
16 Venezuela 14 September 1883[24]
17  Switzerland 29 March 1897[25]
18 Russia 9 August 1898[26]
19 Dominican Republic 30 January 1902[27]
20 Cuba 19 July 1902[28]
21 Costa Rica 3 January 1907[29][30]
22 Netherlands 21 July 1911[31]
23 Colombia 19 March 1912[32]
24 Japan 3 April 1914[33]
25 Austria 15 May 1924[34]
26 Denmark 29 December 1926[35]
27 Sweden 2 February 1932[36][37]
28 Czech Republic 12 February 1935[38]
29 Poland 3 September 1935[39]
30 Norway 25 February 1937[40]
31 Panama 26 August 1942[41]
32 Guatemala 5 September 1945[42]
33 Lebanon 21 February 1949[43]
34 Turkey 21 September 1950[44]
35 Hungary 17 October 1952[45]
36 Germany 30 December 1952[46]
37 Serbia 15 May 1954[47]
38 Nicaragua 6 July 1955[48]
39 Israel 3 July 1957[49][50]
40 Haiti 24 November 1957[51]
41 India 17 December 1958[52]
42 Egypt 17 November 1960[53]
43 Canada May 1961[54]
— Sovereign Military Order of Malta 15 June 1962[55]
44 Thailand 1 February 1963[56]
45 Finland 21 September 1963[57]
46 Indonesia 1963[58]
47 Sri Lanka 1963[59]
48 Morocco 26 June 1964[60]
49 South Korea 25 April 1965[61]
50 South Africa 1967[62]
51 Romania 18 October 1969[63]
52 Philippines 7 January 1970[64]
53 Bulgaria 18 December 1970[65]
54 Pakistan 14 January 1975[66]
55 Australia 10 April 1975[67]
56 Malaysia 9 May 1977[68]
57 Suriname 29 June 1978[69]
58 Algeria 2 February 1980[70]
59 Cyprus 3 March 1983[71]
60 Bahamas 5 August 1983[72]
61 Grenada 5 August 1983[73]
62 Barbados 2 February 1984[74]
63 Jamaica 2 February 1984[75]
64 China 9 July 1985[76]
65 Antigua and Barbuda 26 August 1985[77]
66 Kuwait 28 July 1986[76]
67 Mozambique 20 November 1986[76]
68 United Arab Emirates 1 December 1986[76]
69 Oman 16 December 1986[76]
70 Zambia 5 January 1987[76]
71 Senegal 16 January 1987[76]
72 Vietnam 10 February 1987[76]
73 Guyana 12 March 1987[78]
74 São Tomé and Príncipe 15 May 1987[76]
75   Nepal 20 May 1987[76]
76 Malta 7 July 1987[76]
77 Singapore 3 August 1987[79]
78 Albania 21 August 1987[80]
79 Belize 1 October 1987[76]
80 Equatorial Guinea 21 October 1987[76]
81 Ghana 3 December 1987[81]
82 Ethiopia 8 December 1987[76]
83 Guinea 15 December 1987[82]
84 Cape Verde 1 March 1989[76]
85 Mongolia 1 March 1989[76]
86 Comoros 3 April 1989[76]
87 Uganda 3 May 1989[76]
88 Bangladesh 9 June 1989[76]
89 Yemen 30 June 1989[76]
90 Luxembourg 21 December 1990[76]
91 Ukraine 8 February 1992[83]
92 Slovenia 16 March 1992[84]
93 Armenia 27 July 1992[85]
94 Croatia 26 November 1992[86]
95 Slovakia 1 January 1993[87]
96 Jordan 8 February 1993[88]
97 Lithuania 12 January 1994[89]
98 Belarus 11 April 1994[90]
99 Cambodia 26 April 1994[76]
100 North Macedonia 15 June 1994[76]
101 Andorra 14 June 1995[76]
102 Azerbaijan 8 July 1996[76]
103 Moldova 8 July 1996[76]
104 Turkmenistan 9 July 1996[76]
105 Tajikistan 9 August 1996[91]
106 Angola 29 January 1997[92]
107 Bosnia and Herzegovina 27 February 1997[76]
108 New Zealand 29 October 1998[93]
109 Georgia 20 November 1998[76]
110 Ireland 30 September 1999[94][95]
111 Saudi Arabia 17 October 2000[96]
112 Honduras 21 September 2002[97]
113 Latvia 8 July 2003[98]
114 Estonia 10 March 2004[99]
115 Qatar 6 July 2004[76]
116 Iceland 17 September 2004[76]
117 Iran 8 September 2007[100]
118 Libya 13 August 2008[101]
119 Montenegro 18 October 2010[76]
120 Dominica 5 June 2012[102]
121 Tunisia 24 July 2012[103]
122 Uzbekistan 28 November 2012[104]
123 Kazakhstan 17 May 2013[76]
— State of Palestine 15 November 2013[76]
124 Fiji 9 January 2014[76]
125 Sudan 24 October 2014[105]
126 Burundi 17 November 2016[106]
127 Saint Kitts and Nevis 25 January 2017[107]
128 Kyrgyzstan 29 May 2019[76]
129 Maldives 31 May 2019[76]
130 Saint Lucia 26 June 2019[108]
131 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 25 September 2019[109]
132 San Marino 25 September 2019[110]
133 Nigeria 20 September 2021[111]
134 Rwanda 21 September 2021[112]
135 Liechtenstein 17 November 2021[112]
136 Zimbabwe 24 November 2021[76]
137 Syria 4 September 2023[113]
138 Togo 20 September 2023[76]
139 Bahrain 22 September 2023[76]
140 Benin 24 July 2024[76]
141 Iraq 26 July 2024[76]
142 Monaco 26 July 2024[76]
143 Timor-Leste 26 July 2024[76]
144 Botswana 1 August 2024[76]
145 Laos 6 November 2024[114]
146 Lesotho 8 November 2024[76]
147 Ivory Coast 19 November 2024[76]
148 Mali 6 December 2024[76]
149 Liberia 2024[115]
150 Greece Unknown
151 Trinidad and Tobago Unknown
Close

Bilateral relations

Africa

More information Country, Formal Relations Began ...
Country Formal Relations Began Notes
Equatorial Guinea21 October 1987

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 October 1987.[116]

In November 2017, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo paid an official visit to Bolivia becoming the first African head-of-state to ever visit Bolivia.[117]

Libya 13 August 2008 See Bolivia–Libya relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 August 2008.[118]

Morocco26 June 1964Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 June 1964[119]
  • Bolivia is accredited to Morocco through its embassy in Madrid, Spain.[120]
  • Morocco is accredited to Bolivia, through its embassy in Lima, Peru.
Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic 14 November 1982[121] Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 November 1982 which were suspended by Bolivia on 24 February 2026.[122]
South Africa1967See Bolivia–South Africa relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1967 when has been accredited first Ambassador of South Africa to Bolivia (resident in Argentina).[123]

Close

Americas

More information Country, Formal Relations Began ...
Country Formal Relations Began Notes
Argentina7 December 1858See Argentina–Bolivia relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 December 1858.[124]

BrazilSee Bolivia–Brazil relations

Brazil and Bolivia worked on expanding and diversifying trade between the two countries in the last quarter of 2008. The 6th Meeting of the Commission for Monitoring Brazil-Bolivia trade was used to this end. As it stood, at the time Brazil was the main destination for exports from Bolivia, having bought, in 2007, 35.7% of the products that Bolivian companies sell to other countries. They were also the main exporter to Bolivia, sending 24.7% of products imported into Bolivia. As industrialized products represented 94.6% of Brazilian sales up to September of the year, Bolivian sales in the same period were limited largely to natural gas, which accounted for up to 92.7% of the total purchased from the country, or US$1.89 billion. The products with the greatest scope for an increase in trade from Brazil to Bolivia were crude oil, insecticides, aircraft, vehicle engines, soy in grain, vegetable oils and ironworks products, amongst others. From Bolivia to Brazil, products such as animal feed, vegetable oil, crude oil, tin, ores of precious metals, precious gems, dried and fresh fruit, plants, leather and garments were also capable of seeing sales grow.[127]

Chile1978, Diplomatic severed in 1978, Restored in 2002See Bolivia–Chile relations

Bolivia and Chile have had strained relations ever since independence in the early 19th century because of the Atacama border dispute. Relations soured even more after Bolivia lost its coast to Chile during the War of the Pacific and became a landlocked country (Bolivia still claims a corridor to the Pacific Ocean.) Chile and Bolivia have maintained only consular relations since 1978 when territorial negotiations failed.

Cuba10 June 1915See Bolivia–Cuba relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 June 1915.[132]

  • Bolivia has an embassy in Havana.
  • Cuba has an embassy in La Paz.
Mexico21 November 1831See Bolivia–Mexico relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 November 1831.[133]

Nicaragua6 July 1955

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 July 1955 when has been appointed Ambassador of Nicaragua to Argentina, Doctor Otto Lamm Jarquin as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Bolivia.[136]

Relations between Bolivia and Nicaragua have improved since the election of Daniel Ortega. In 2007, President Evo Morales stated that "Daniel Ortega's win gives strength and hope not only to Nicaragua but to all of Latin America." Both countries are members of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas (ALBA).[citation needed]

  • Bolivia has an embassy in Managua.
  • Nicaragua has an embassy in La Paz.
Panama28 August 1942Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 August 1942.[137]
  • Bolivia has an embassy in Panama City.
  • Panama has an embassy in La Paz.
Paraguay17 June 1843See Bolivia–Paraguay relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 June 1843.[138]

In 2009, Bolivian President Evo Morales and Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo signed an agreement settling a border dispute, which led to a war in the 1930s. President Lugo expressed the hope that natural resources could now "be developed and used by both countries" [139]

Peru24 June 1826See Bolivia–Peru relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 June 1826[140]

United States3 January 1849See Bolivia–United States relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 January 1849.[142]

Bolivia traditionally has had strong ties to the United States.[143] Economically, the United States has been a long-standing consumer of Bolivian exports and a partner in development projects.[143] In 1991 the United States forgave more than US$350 million owed by Bolivia to the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.[143] Presently, the United States leads an international contingent pressuring Bolivia to curb its illegal drug trade.

The election of Evo Morales strained relations between the two countries. Morales rose to power as the head of a trade union of coca growers. He has campaigned against coca eradication on behalf of the growers, citing the legitimate uses of coca leaves in traditional Aymara and Quechua culture. His policies directly conflict with the eradiction policy of the United States. In 2008 the Bolivian government suspended the operations of the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) accusing the organisation of being a front for violating the country's sovereignty and supporting an unsuccessful coup d'état. Bolivia's government also expelled the US ambassador.[144] In 2008 Gustavo Guzmán, the Bolivian ambassador to Washington said "The U.S. embassy is historically used to calling the shots in Bolivia, violating our sovereignty, treating us like a banana republic", and Evo Morales, then Bolivian president said "Where there is a US ambassador, there is a coup".[145]

Uruguay1 November 1843See Bolivia–Uruguay relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 November 1843.[148]

  • Bolivia has an embassy in Montevideo.
  • Uruguay has an embassy in La Paz and a consulate-general in Santa Cruz de Sierra.
Venezuela14 September 1883See Bolivia–Venezuela relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 September 1883.[149]

On November 15, 2019, the Interim President of Bolivia Jeanine Áñez severed the diplomatic relations with Venezuela and accused Venezuelans with ties to that country's embassy in La Paz of "plotting against internal security" in Bolivia. On November 12, 2020, President Luis Arce reestablished diplomatic relations with Venezuela.[150]

Close

Asia

More information Country, Formal Relations Began ...
Country Formal Relations Began Notes
Azerbaijan 8 July 1996 Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 July 1996.[151]
  • Azerbaijan is accredited to Bolivia from its embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina.[152]
China9 July 1985See Bolivia–China relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 July 1985.[153]

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Bolivia in 1985, relations have expanded from economic and cultural ties to military, transport, infrastructure, raw materials, education and other areas. The two countries recently celebrated 25th anniversary of diplomatic ties in Beijing, July 9, 2010. In August 2010, China and Bolivia agreed to continue to develop military ties and cooperation.

  • Bolivia has an embassy in Beijing.
  • China has an embassy in La Paz.
India1958See Bolivia–India relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1958.[154]

  • Bolivia has an embassy in New Delhi.
  • India has an embassy in La Paz.
Indonesia1963Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1963.[155]
  • Bolivia is accredited to Indonesia from its embassy in Beijing, China.
  • Indonesia is accredited to Bolivia from its embassy in Lima, Peru.[156]
Iran8 September 2007See Bolivia–Iran relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 September 2007.[157]

Relations between Iran and Bolivia were strengthened during the presidencies of Evo Morales and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Morales supported Iran's right to peaceful nuclear energy, while Iran has expanded economic relations and investments in Bolivia. Morales visited Iran more than once.[citation needed]

  • Bolivia has an embassy in Tehran.
  • Iran has an embassy in La Paz.
Israel3 July 1957,
Severed in January 2009,
Restored in 28 November 2019,
Severed in 31 October 2023,
Restored in 9 December 2025		 See Bolivia–Israel relations

In January 2009, Bolivia limited its relations with Israel in the wake of Israeli strikes in Gaza in response to rocket attacks on Israel. Bolivia reportedly promised to take Israel to an international court for alleged war crimes committed against Palestinians in Gaza. On 30 July 2014, Bolivian relations with Israel were further strained. During the 2014 Israel–Gaza conflict, Bolivian President Evo Morales declared Israel a "terrorist state" for alleged human rights abuses against Palestinians.[158][159] Following this, Morales canceled a 30-year agreement that allowed Israelis to visit Bolivia without visas.[160] Following a political crisis, the interim Jeanine Áñez presidency once again normalized relations with Israel.[161] After the landslide elections in October 2020 ousted Áñez from the presidency, Vice President David Choquehuanca reasserted Bolivia's commitment to the Palestinian cause, saying, "the crimes committed by the Zionist regime, especially against civilians, especially women and children, should not be forgotten, but rather tried in an exemplary manner."[162] Severed diplomatic relations in 2009 and Restored in 28 November 2019. On 31 October 2023 Bolivia severed diplomatic ties with Israel in the wake of Israel's attack on the Gaza Strip.[163] Israel and Bolivia renew diplomatic relations on 9 December 2025[50]

Japan3 April 1914See Bolivia–Japan relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 April 1914.[164]

  • Bolivia has an embassy in Tokyo.
  • Japan has an embassy in La Paz and a consular office in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
Malaysia1977Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1977.[165]
  • Bolivia is accredited to Malaysia from its embassy in Tokyo, Japan.[166]
  • Malaysia is accredited to Bolivia from its embassy in Lima, Peru.
Philippines7 January 1970Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 January 1970.[167]
  • Bolivia is accredited to the Philippines from its embassy in Tokyo, Japan.
  • Philippines is accredited to Bolivia from its embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina and has two honorary consulates in La Paz and Santa Cruz de la Sierra.[168]
South Korea25 April 1965Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 April 1965.[169]
  • Bolivia has an embassy in Seoul.
  • South Korea has an embassy in La Paz.
Turkey26 July 1950See Bolivia–Turkey relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 July 1950.[170]

  • Bolivia has an embassy in Ankara.
  • Turkey has an embassy in La Paz.[171]
  • Trade volume between the two countries was US$130 million in 2019 (Bolivian exports/imports: 108/22 million USD).[171]
 Vietnam10 February 1987

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 February 1987.[172]

Bolivia's embassy in Beijing, China, functions as the non-resident embassy to Vietnam.[173] Vietnam is accredited to Bolivia, from its embassy in Brazil and has an honorary consulate in Santa Cuz de la Sierra.[174]

Close

Europe

More information Country, Formal Relations Began ...
Country Formal Relations Began Notes
DenmarkSee Bolivia–Denmark relations
  • Bolivia is accredited to Denmark from its embassy in Berlin, Germany.[175]
  • Denmark is accredited to Bolivia from its embassy in Bogotá, Colombia.[176]
France9 September 1833Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 September 1833 when has been appointed M. Buchet-Martigny as Charge d'Affaires of France to Bolivia.[177]
  • Bolivia has an embassy in Paris.
  • France has an embassy in La Paz.
Germany16 May 1902See Bolivia–Germany relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 May 1902.[178] After the Second World War, diplomatic relations were established with the Federal Republic of Germany on 30 December 1952.[179]

Diplomatic relations between the two states were broken during World War I. Relations were restored after the war under the agreement concluded on July 20, 1921.

  • Bolivia has an embassy in Berlin.
  • Germany has an embassy in La Paz.
Poland3 September 1935Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 September 1935.[180]
  • Bolivia is accredited to Poland from its embassy in Berlin, Germany.[181]
  • Poland is accredited to Bolivia from its embassy in Lima, Peru.
Russia9 August 1898See Bolivia–Russia relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 August 1898 and diplomatic relations between Bolivia and Soviet Union were established on 18 April 1945.[182]

With Bolivia the focus on relations with Russia is mainly economic, as opposed to political and strategic, as an agreement to invest in Bolivia's natural gas fields shows. It is seen to "help Latin America...[as it] expands Latin America's economic opportunities, diversifies its relationships...that's healthy."[183]

2008 saw, as a first step to re-establish ties with Russia, the Bolivian government had plans to purchase a small batch of helicopters. Ambassador Leonid Golubev told The Associated Press that he would like to see Russia's ties to Bolivia one day "approach the level" of its growing partnership with Venezuela.[184] [185]

In 2009 amid improving relations between the two countries Bolivia and Russia signed various agreements pertaining to energy and military ties, mining activities and illegal drug eradication. [184][186]

  • Bolivia has an embassy in Moscow.
  • Russia has an embassy in La Paz.
Slovakia1 January 1993Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 January 1993.[187]
  • Bolivia is accredited to Slovakia from its embassy in Vienna, Austria.[188]
  • Slovakia is accredited to Bolivia from its embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina.[189]
Spain21 July 1847See Bolivia–Spain relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 July 1847.[190]

A diplomatic crisis with Spain in 2005 due to a misunderstanding was quickly resolved by Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and Spain became the first European country visited by Evo Morales on January 4, 2006. However, there remain problems surrounding the exploitation of oil and gas fields in the country by Spanish corporations like Repsol.

Bolivian President Evo Morales met King Juan Carlos and held talks with Zapatero during a visit to Spain in September 2009 with the intention of resolving issues concerning the nationalisation of the Bolivian energy sector. The move has the potential to hurt some Spanish companies however relations were said to be "positive" between the Bolivian state and Spanish private sector energy companies. Evo Morales said that Bolivia is ready to accept outside investment in its energy and natural resource industries as long as foreign firms do not act as owners and that Bolivia is "looking for investment, be it from private or state sector. We want partners, not owners of our natural resources."

It was suggested that Bolivia would also negotiate with Spanish companies to produce car parts and lithium batteries in the future.[191]

United Kingdom14 April 1848See Bolivia–United Kingdom relations
Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire with Ambassador of Bolivia to the United Kingdom Roberto Calzadilla in London, March 2014.

The UK established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on 29 September 1840.[194]

  • Bolivia maintains an embassy in London.[195]
  • The United Kingdom is accredited to Bolivia through its embassy in La Paz.[196]

Both countries share common membership of the International Criminal Court, the United Nations, and the World Trade Organization. Bilaterally the two countries have a Double Taxation Convention.[197]

Close

See also

References

Related Articles

Wikiwand AI