Off the wire
• Thousands trapped between Syria, Jordan in need of assistance: ICRC  • Iran condemns French attack on Syrian village  • Ugandan military completes evacuation of citizens trapped in South Sudan  • Nigerian military defeats Boko Haram insurgents in restive northeast states: minister  • Rwanda airline resumes flights to South Sudan  • WHO calls for quick action to reduce deaths from viral hepatitis  • U.S. sets preliminary dumping rates on China's large residential washing machines  • Slovakia international Duda joins Berlin  • U.S. dollar rises against most major currencies  • Polish scientists develop portable device to help pregnant women self-monitor baby  
You are here: 　 Home

Britain to maintain close economic ties with Germany despite Brexit: British PM May

Xinhua, July 21, 2016 Adjust font size:

Britain will maintain close economic relations with Germany despite its intention to exit the European Union (EU), Britain's new Prime Minister Theresa May said Wednesday during her visit to Germany.

"Of course, our relations will change, but economic relations will remain close," May said here.

Political developments in Turkey, the refugee issue and Brexit were discussed during May's visit with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. It was the former's first trip abroad after her appointment a week ago.

Merkel, during the meeting, stressed Germany's close partnership with Britain, adding Germany would represent its own interests in upcoming Brexit negotiations, Merkel added.

However, the process could go on in a "friendly atmosphere and on the basis of many common convictions," said Merkel.

Merkel reiterated that negotiations could only start after a formal request from London. "It is a matter of common concern when Britain applies the exit with a very well-defined negotiating position," she said.

May said it would be "part of discussions" in the coming negotiations, whether the British should remain part of the free-trade area without free movement of EU citizens. Endit