France, Britain Agree to More Talks on Fishing Row

France and Britain agreed on Thursday to resolve a fishing row, but much remains to be done and all options are on the table.

French European Affairs Minister Clement Beaune met with British Brexit minister David Frost in Paris, days after France and Britain came to the brink of a cross-Channel trade war overfishing.

Beaune affirmed that Thursday's meeting was "useful and positive", noting that more talks are due next week. Beaune welcomed a new "state of mind" in the relationship, asserting that he had agreed with Frost to intensify talks on the licences.

France had threatened to step up checks on trucks and produce from Britain and to bar British trawlers from French ports. But it pulled back at the last minute on Monday to allow a fresh attempt to negotiate a solution.

"All options are still on the table," the minister said, adding: "as long as dialogue seems possible ... we are giving it a chance, with no naivety ... and with a requirement to see results."

Moreover, he revealed that there is still a lot of work to do, pointing out that France was still missing about 200 fishing licences.

In the same vein, Britain echoed some of Beaune's comments, with both sides saying the ministers would talk again early next week.

"As foreshadowed, they discussed the range of difficulties arising from the application of the agreements between the UK and the EU. Both sides set out their positions and concerns," a British government spokesperson said.