MADRID (AP) — Spain’s prime minister and the leader of Catalonia will open formal talks Wednesday in hopes of resolving the festering political crisis provoked by the region’s separatist movement.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and members of his government will host Catalan regional chief Quim Torra and his delegation in Madrid’s Moncloa Palace, the seat of Spain’s Government, at 1530 GMT (10:30 a.m. EST).

No major breakthrough is expected from the meeting given the political abyss separating the two sides.

“Today we will initiate our talks, and the way forward is going to be difficult, complex, and long,” Sánchez said.

Torra has insisted that he will repeat his demands for Catalonia to be allowed to hold a referendum on independence and for the release of nine separatist leaders who are serving prison sentences for their role in an illegal 2017 secession attempt.

Sánchez has promised that his government won't consider an independence vote for the region. He has said instead he will focus on improving the relations between Spain and the restive region, while also decreasing tensions in Catalonia caused by the divisive issue.

Polls and the most recent election results indicate that roughly 50% of the 7.5 million residents of northeastern Catalonia are in favor of secession.