Britain's Minister of State for Europe David Lidington will start a two-day visit to Gibraltar on Monday to probe into the continuing delays around the Gibraltar-Spain border, amid long-standing diplomatic rows with Spain over the control of the tiny territory.

"The visit will enable the Minister to visit the Gibraltar-Spain border to witness first-hand the continuing delays at the crossing, to hold discussions with HM Government of Gibraltar, and to meet a wide range of the people of Gibraltar," the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said Friday in a statement.

FCO added that the minister's visit comes in advance of a return by the European Commission to review progress on improving congestion at the border.

"The Commission's return visit follows concerted lobbying by the UK Government," the statement noted.

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to visit Gibraltar again. I look forward to observing some of the initiatives being undertaken by the Government of Gibraltar and to meeting a wide range of people on the rock, who together contribute to a vibrant and prosperous Gibraltar," Lidington said.

Lidington will meet the ministers of Gibraltar, reflecting "a strong relationship which has seen the UK Government and HM Government of Gibraltar working in lockstep to tackle Spanish pressure over the past year," according to the statement.

The minister will also take a tour on the waters with the Gibraltar Squadron to see the work of the British Royal Navy "upholding British sovereignty of Gibraltar's waters," it continued.

Gibraltar, located on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance of the Mediterranean, was ceded to Britain as part of the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, but Spain has persistently sought to regain the tiny southern territory.

Last year, Gibraltar authorities dropped tens of concrete blocks in the Bay of Algeciras to form an artificial reef, which Spain said had blocked its fishermen.

Spanish police and civil guards responded by tightening border controls, causing long delays for those crossing the border.

Britain has repeatedly summoned the Spanish ambassador in London in connection with Gibraltar issues since the current Spanish government took office in December 2011, according to the FCO.