UK, Germany discuss future relations after Brexit

By Ayhan Simsek

BERLIN (AA) - Germany and the U.K. pledged on Thursday to continue their close cooperation post-Brexit.

Speaking alongside British Prime Minister Theresa May, ahead of their meeting in Berlin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel voiced regret at the British decision to leave the EU, but also said Brexit negotiations have now entered into a crucial phase.

“I would like Germany and the U.K. to continue to be very close partners in future,” Merkel said, underlining the importance of close cooperation between the two countries in the fields of foreign and security policy.

May expressed willingness to enhance ties with Germany.

“I look forward to a positive future relationship between the U.K. and Germany building on many excellent links we already have,” she said.

May also said they would discuss with Merkel Thursday the agenda items of NATO leaders' summit next week.

Britain is set to leave the European Union in March 2019 but the sides have agreed on principle to introduce a transition period expected to last for around two years.