Portugal and Spain will mark the reopening of their border, on Wednesday, with ceremonies at the highest level, in Badajoz and Elvas, with special political symbolism, bringing together the heads of state and government of the two Iberian countries.

The Portuguese-Spanish border was closed for three and a half months due to the covid-19 pandemic, with crossing points exclusively intended for the transport of goods and for cross-border workers.

Hours after the reopening, on Wednesday morning, the official ceremonies will take place, with the participation of the President of the Republic of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, of the King of Spain, Felipe VI, of the Portuguese Prime Minister, António Costa, and the head of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, first in Badajoz, and then in Elvas, in the district of Portalegre.

According to the program released today, at 9:30 am in Portugal (10:30 am in Spain) there will be a ceremony at the Archaeological Museum of Badajoz, in which the hymns of both countries will be performed and there will be a family photo. Fifteen minutes later, a similar ceremony will take place at the Castle of Elvas.

The Spanish Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Reyes Maroto, began by announcing the reopening of the borders with Portugal for June 22, an announcement to which the Portuguese Government reacted with surprise, and then it was agreed on July 1.