Heitor was speaking to journalists in the parliament building, after the debate in committee on the Socialist government's 2017 budget bill.

The minister added that, in return, the ESA is to dedicate "a specific programme for the observation of the Earth in the Atlantic" in which Portugal is to be the "principal country" involved, "working closely with Spain".

Portugal has been an ESA member since 14 November 2000. Its next ministerial council meeting is to take place next month.

Heitor said that the government is working with companies and other partners in Portugal to bring in "a new model for the organisation of scientific, technological and business development" in the space sector from next year.

He said, without providing details, that the ministry will submit to parliament a proposal to boost tax incentives for companies to hire PhD graduates, aimed at encouraging companies - especially small and medium-sized ones - to collaborate in international projects.

Separately, the minister said that the government aims to include Portugal's mountain ranges in the European network of Biosphere Reserves.