Maurizio Carlo Gelli
Ambassador of Nicaragua to Spain
Alberto Rubio
On 17 May Maurizio Carlo Gelli was sworn in as Nicaragua’s ambassador to Spain. “The day of the presentation of the Letters of Credence to the King of Spain is still very fresh in my memory”, he assures The Diplomat during an interview in which he does not avoid any question and in which he begins by expressing his admiration for “a unique ceremony that was especially moving on my arrival at the Royal Palace, where I was welcomed with the National Anthem of Nicaragua”.
How do you feel about your new position?
The post of Nicaraguan Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain represents for me a great honour, a privilege and a challenge that I hope to honour with the highest commitment. It is an extraordinary moment in my diplomatic career. I am extremely grateful to receive this extremely important appointment as representative of the Republic of Nicaragua, of the Government of Reconciliation and National Unity presided over by President-Commander Daniel Ortega and Vice-President Rosario Murillo.
During the presentation of Credentials, I met with the cordiality and kindness of King Felipe VI, a person who is interested in and knowledgeable about Nicaragua. We talked about our bilateral relations and the historical, linguistic and cultural ties that unite us. The King has visited Nicaragua on two occasions as Prince of Asturias representing the Royal Household on the occasion of the inauguration of our President.
Previously you have been posted to Uruguay and Canada. What are your objectives in Spain?
My work at the head of the Nicaraguan Embassy in Madrid, as previously in Uruguay and Canada, is to strengthen ties of friendship and economic, cultural and educational cooperation, trade, tourism, scientific development and sustainable technological research.
Also to encourage and explore new avenues of cooperation between the two countries, the signing of agreements of mutual interest and to reach twinning agreements between friendly cities, among others. Likewise, to offer all our support and protection to Nicaraguan compatriots resident and non-resident in Spain when necessary, because consular care is a fundamental part of our diplomatic task and we owe it to them with equal dedication, obligation and commitment.
Since you are talking about your compatriots, I wish to know if granting of Spanish nationality to 46 Nicaraguans (ten of them on 31 May, the day before this interview) expelled by your government can be a new source of friction between the two countries?
Absolutely not. Spain is a sovereign country, just like Nicaragua, and by virtue of that power it can take whatever decisions it wishes.
Do you hope that your mission at the head of the embassy will not become embroiled in the tensions that led to the withdrawal of your predecessor?
My aim is to contribute to the normalisation of bilateral relations in an atmosphere of mutual respect. I represent a sovereign country. Nicaragua is a free and independent nation. If our relations develop in a context of communication, of mutual respect, and if the principles established by the international norms I mentioned earlier are observed, you may rest assured that friendship and harmony will be our guideline to follow, because our relations between Nicaragua and Spain have always been very good. They have been relations of friendship and cooperation. I repeat, based on mutual respect.
Several media outlets have published criticisms of his naturalisation as a Nicaraguan – without renouncing his Italian passport – and his first appointment as ambassador when he had not yet completed the mandatory four years since his naturalisation. I imagine that you are no stranger to controversy.
Of course not. In Italy, dual nationality is allowed without major impediments and Nicaragua is a sovereign country and free to designate its representatives, of which I am one. My Italian origin is therefore not an obstacle and does not prevent me from loving the country I represent. Moreover, as you will be aware, I will be neither the first nor the last diplomat from other countries to hold two nationalities.
You have also been linked to the alleged laundering of your father’s money in 1999. What was the outcome of that affair?
While I could reserve the answer to this question, I have no reason to do so. These alleged accusations from that time, as you rightly say, from 1999, were shelved because they were totally false and unfounded, fed by the media to damage my image, my family’s name and, nowadays, my performance.
You were telling me earlier that one of your objectives is the promotion of tourism. What does Nicaragua offer to its visitors?
Nicaragua is a blessed country, gifted by nature. Its two greatest exponents are immortal National Heroes, the Universal Poet, Prince of Spanish Literature, the distinguished Rubén Darío and the General of Free Men and Women Augusto C. Sandino. Both made history and have museums dedicated to their memory.
Nicaragua also has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the ruins of León Viejo and the cathedral of León. Nicaragua is home to numerous rivers, lakes, lagoons and volcanoes. It is a country whose coasts are bathed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, with coral reefs that make it unique. It is a country full of contrasting landscapes, images, colours and rich in gastronomy.
The natural beauty and variety, its fauna, flora and cultural identity are combined with the hospitality of its people. We are one of the largest producers of coffee, tobacco and rum, the latter of which is one of the most appreciated in the world. Nicaragua has a history that truly excites, inspires and captivates its visitors.
Today we can proudly say that the Plan of the Government of President-comandante Daniel Ortega Saavedra and our Vice-President Rosario Murillo has made Nicaragua one of the most attractive and safe countries in Central America.
Is it also safe for foreign investment? In which sectors could Spanish companies find the best opportunities?
Spain’s economic relations with Nicaragua have been growing over the years and have strengthened solid support for trade and cooperation ties. It should be remembered that Nicaragua’s main exports to Spain include coffee, cocoa, meat, beans, cigars, rum, fish, crustaceans, etc. Spain exports to Nicaragua electronics, pharmaceuticals, agricultural machinery, foodstuffs, clothing, footwear and a whole list of other products, not to mention the fact that the security of investment in our country means that two of Spain’s major companies, Zara and Mapfre, among others, are established in Nicaragua.
I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some data on Nicaragua’s progress. According to figures from the Economic Commission for Latin America (ECLAC), Nicaragua has the highest growth in the region with 14.1% accumulated in the years 2020-2021, followed by Chile with 14% and Latin America with an average growth of 10.4% in the same period. The year 2022 has been for Nicaragua the second year of economic reactivation with an extraordinary rate of variation: 5.5% compared to 2017. The country’s climate of stability and internal security has allowed the year-on-year growth of the credit portfolio. Likewise, the public policies pursued by Nicaragua are aimed at achieving universal health coverage, without forgetting to mention the role of Nicaraguan women. Their participation in our government exceeds 60%.
Before we finish this interview, tell me what you like most about Spain so far.
I can say that since my arrival a couple of months ago, I have met cordial, accessible people who make it easy for a diplomatic official to settle in the country to carry out his or her professional work.
I feel fortunate because I have been received with great cordiality, starting with the King of Spain Felipe VI, by authorities and government officials and by Spanish citizens with whom I have met and talked these days, which helps me to adapt to this city as if I were in my own country. I feel very grateful.
