In a phone call to King Felipe on Saturday, Rebelo de Sousa also made it clear however that the problem is internal to Spain and one that Spain alone must resolve.

In an official statement released on Friday the Portuguese government criticised Catalonia’s declaration of independence, deeming it an “attack” on Spain’s constitutional rights.

In related news, reports are emerging that Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont (pictured) may be seeking asylum in Belgium.