A UNITED NATIONS (UN) body has called on Spain and Britain to find a “definitive solution” to the two countries’ ongoing dispute over Gibraltar’s sovereignty.

The UN General Assembly adopted its Decolonisation Committee’s recommendation for London and Madrid to reach a solution on the British enclave through “dialogue and co-operation” last Friday.

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The Assembly also stated that it took into account Britain’s wish to continue three-way talks between itself, Spain and Gibraltar to resolve sovereignty disputes.

“The UN welcomes the efforts made by all to solve problems and move forward in a spirit of trust and solidarity, in order to find common solutions and make progress in areas of mutual interest,” the Assembly stated.

The call comes as Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell said the EU’s decision to leave talks on Gibraltar to Madrid and London gave Spain a “position of strength” going forward.

“The decision allows us to face the next phase of Brexit negotiations from a position of strength,” Borrell wrote in a newspaper article.

Spain has long-standing sovereignty claims over Gibraltar. The territory was ceded to Britain under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713.