Lajcak: UK to Remain Close Partner for Slovakia Even after Brexit
Bratislava, March 3 (TASR) – The United Kingdom will remain one of the closest political, security and trading partners for Slovakia even after Brexit, Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajcak told journalists after talks with British Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union David Davis on Friday.
According to Lajcak, Slovakia as a member country of the European Union will remain Britain’s ally and neighbour, sharing the same geopolitical, security and economic area. “It’s our common interest to continue together, contributing towards prosperity and security in Europe,” stated Lajcak.
The main issues debated by the two ministers included the course of action planned by Britain in exiting the EU and considerations in terms of minimising the negative effects of Brexit on foreigners from EU-member countries living and working in the UK. At the same time Davis presented the British Cabinet’s ideas and plans for further settling relations with the EU after Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty is activated, probably towards the end of this month.
Meanwhile, Lajcak expressed the hope that the Brexit talks will be constructive and pragmatic, leading to a prompt agreement while at the same time guaranteeing the rights of EU citizens staying in Britain.
“We harbour the opinion that the talks should take place exclusively between the EU and Great Britain, instead of between Britain and individual member states. Our interest is to maintain the EU’s unity. Our relations will understandably have a different foundation following your exit from the EU,” added Lajcak.
