Portugal minister

Galpenergia shareholders have set January 31 as a deadline for Portugal and Eni to reach agreement on whether the Italian energy group should remain a strategic partner.

Eni recently voted against a government plan to transfer control of Galp's gas assets to state power company Electricidade de Portugal with Eni as a second partner.

The plan was passed by the majority of shareholders.

"There is no news, but I am confident," Tavares told Reuters on the sidelines of a ceremony to seal an investment agreement between German car maker Volkswagen and Portugal.

Eni, Italy's biggest listed company, holds 33.34 percent of Galpenergia and was the only shareholder to vote against the proposal on reaching an accord.

The state holds 34.8 percent.