It has given both countries much to argue about, from fish quotas to bankers, even as they make the first concerted effort in a generation to strengthen bilateral ties.

The agreement was a natural step in the expansion of bilateral ties.

The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1950 and have signed around 15 agreements to boost bilateral ties.

Since the 1980s, however, efforts were made to strengthen bilateral ties.

A close identity of views and mutual interests remain the centre-point of bilateral ties.