MADRID, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and the President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on Tuesday asked Europe to "give a push" towards economic and monetary union.
Speaking during the second day of Rebelo de Sousa's three-day visit to Spain, Rajoy said that "both countries believe that we have to give a push towards economic and monetary union".
"It is not just about banking unity, but to start to work towards a moment for a European budget and fiscal unity," he continued, saying such a move would help the EU avoid future "economic crises" such as that which recently badly affected both nations.
Rajoy added that Spain and Portugal had agreed to work closely in "politics of cohesion and also agricultural policies" to protect rural districts and small towns and villages.
"It will be difficult, but I am convinced that between everyone we can reach agreement," he said
Both leaders stressed the "excellent relationship" between the two neighbors, which were highlighted after their meeting when Rebelo de Souza addressed the Spanish Congress, which held a special session to greet him.
During his speech, the Portuguese leader made a clear reference to the ongoing Catalan crisis and said neither nation should "cede a millimeter" after "all it has cost" to construct their democracies.
He will conclude his visit on Wednesday with a visit to the historic University of Salamanca, which this year celebrates its 800th anniversary.
