The Embassy of Romania in the Kingdom of Spain and the Romanian Cultural Institute in Madrid, with the support of AGERPRES National News Agency, are organising the exhibition titled 'The Romania - Spain Relationship Reflected in the Press: A Bilateral Historical Perspective', open to the public from June 29 to July 26 on the Paseo de Coches avenue in El Retiro Park, the Embassy of Romania in Spain announced on Monday in a press release.

In 2026, Romania and the Kingdom of Spain mark 145 years of diplomatic relations, an anniversary celebrating a bond built on dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation, the Embassy notes.

On June 23, 1881, during the reigns of King Carol I of Romania and King Alfonso XII of Spain, the two countries established diplomatic relations at legation level, with the presentation in Bucharest of the letters of credence of Pedro de Aladro y Kastriota, Spain's Chargé d'affaires ad interim. This moment marked the beginning of a lasting bilateral relationship, developed over time through dialogue, cooperation and cultural closeness.

The exhibition invites the public to discover this shared history through the press, a privileged witness to the political, social and cultural transformations that brought the two countries closer. From the first reports published in 19th-century newspapers to contemporary coverage, the materials illustrate moments, personalities and events that contributed to strengthening bilateral dialogue.

Comprising 20 thematic panels, the exhibition offers a chronological and thematic journey through the history of Romania - Spain relations. The documentary selection draws on Romanian and Spanish sources, bringing together articles, photographs and archival materials relevant to the evolution of relations between the two states. Materials from the Spanish press were sourced from the digital newspaper libraries of the National Library of Spain and the Spanish Ministry of Culture (Prensa Histórica), as well as from the archives of major publications including ABC and La Vanguardia. The Romanian component was produced with the support of AGERPRES, which provided archival content and documentary resources illustrating the development of bilateral ties.

Visitors will be able to follow the beginnings of diplomatic relations, the role of the Royal Houses in consolidating ties between the two states, the contribution of personalities active across both cultural spheres, and representative moments of Romania's presence in Spain. Culture holds an important place, with sections dedicated to literature, music, visual arts, cinema and theatre, highlighting the circulation of ideas, the mobility of artists and the development of joint cultural projects. The exhibition also reflects how the press has recorded the presence of Romanian culture in Spain, and of Spanish culture in Romania, respectively.

Themes such as sport, tourism, the economy, cultural heritage and traditions are also approached, alongside the evolution of the Romanian community in Spain and its contribution to strengthening social and human connections between the two countries. References to the Romanian language and its Latin heritage underscore the cultural and linguistic affinities that have fostered dialogue and closeness between the two societies.

The final sections of the exhibition trace the evolution of Romania - Spain relations in the context of European and Euro-Atlantic integration, illustrating their transformation into a solid partnership based on shared values, strategic cooperation and membership in the European Union and NATO. The exhibition thus highlights the continuity and relevance of a relationship that goes beyond the bilateral framework and forms part of a common European project.

Located in one of Madrid's most emblematic public spaces, the exhibition contributes to promoting Romanian culture and Romania's image in Spain, and offers the wider public the opportunity to rediscover a shared history reflected in the pages of the press. AGERPRES (RO - editing by: Gabriela Ionescu; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)