Merkel sees no division in EU by Brexit

BERLIN (AA) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel has vowed on Wednesday to preserve unity among EU member states during negotiations on Britain's exit from the union.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni in Berlin, Merkel welcomed British Prime Minister Theresa May’s speech setting out her Brexit plans.

“With British Prime Minister Theresa May’s speech, now we have a clear picture on how Great Britain wishes to proceed. But the negotiations would only begin when an application in accordance with Article 50 will be made,” Merkel said.

“What is essential is that Europe won’t let itself be divided and we will ensure this through intense relations,” she added.

Italian Prime Minister Gentiloni has also welcomed May’s speech, saying the British government for the first time went beyond slogans and laid out vision for Brexit.

“I believe that EU is ready discussions. There will be solidarity among ourselves. And of course there will be friendship towards the United Kingdom,” he said.

May used a keynote speech on Tuesday to set out her government’s vision for the Brexit.

She said the U.K. would seek a new and equal partnership with the EU during exit negotiations, and confirmed that the country would leave the European single market after Brexit.

However, May also promised to aim for the "greatest possible" access to Europe’s single market following Brexit.