Portugal, Spain to unite in EU affairs

Portugal and Spain will act in unison regarding the affairs of the European Union (EU) by unconditionally supporting each other's stand, said Portuguese Foreign Minister Diogo Freitas do Amaral on Friday.

Amaral made the pledge after meeting with his Spanish counterpart Miguel Angel Moratinos in the Portuguese capital.

Portugal, a major EU aid receiver, fears a lean EU budget will deprive Portugal of funds as the EU may shift its assistance to the newcomers of the bloc's enlargement, Amaral told a press conference, saying Spain will side with Portugal on the budget issue.

Moratinos, meanwhile, said Spain and Portugal will stand together in the EU, pledging his country will give a full support to Portugal on the budget issue.

Source: Xinhua