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Kerry visits Brussels to discuss UK referendum

Xinhua, June 28, 2016 Adjust font size:

U.S. Secretary of StateJohn Kerry on Monday visited Brussels, discussing with European officials on Britain's EU membership referendum, as well as a range of regional and global issues key to the U.S.-EU partnership.

During the press conference following Kerry's meeting with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, Kerry said the Brexit vote did not come out the way U.S. President Barack Obama and him and others hoped that it would, but that's democracy, expressing their respect for the rights of the voters and the process.

"It is critical as we go forward in these next days to understand the importance of a strong EU. The United States cares about a strong EU," said Kerry.

"So it is my intention, in furtherance of President Obama's commitment to both the EU and the special relationship, to do everything in our power to make this transitional process as sensible and as smooth as it can be," he said.

"I know (John Kerry) is traveling to London later today. I would pass this clear message: the EU is as strong as before and the EU can be even stronger in the future. We will continue to work together in this respect," said Mogherini.

Kerry is on a visit to Rome, Brussels and London from June 25 to 27. He was scheduled to tour London later Monday to discuss the UK referendum on EU membership and other important global issues, including Syria and the fight against the Islamic State. Endit