The agreement replaces the old one signed in 2003 that had been extended several times since 1986, and which expires on December 31, 2013.
Minister Arias Cañete welcomed the re-signing and stated: "We will continue to work with Portugal to have the best fisheries relations in areas of common interest and jointly in Community legislation for rules that favor the development of fisheries in the two countries."
The new agreement extends the essential elements and includes reciprocal fishing licenses, with some improvements in items of interest to the Spanish fleet. This two-year period of validity should be sufficient to allow the negotiation of a new text to review the exchange of fishing opportunities.
The agreement regulates the mutual access to both inland waters as border areas of Minho and the Guadiana, benefiting some 160 Spanish vessels.
