Britain aims to rebuild relationship with EU: Brexit chief

British Secretary of State for exiting the European Union David Davis on Monday said Britain would like to rebuild its relationship with EU member states, Finnish news agency STT reported.

"We're not really talking about the exit, but a new kind of relationship," Xinhua news agency quoted Davis as saying during an official visit here to meet the Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini.

Britain hopes the European Union remains stable, prosperous and secure, he added.

Davis tried to calm down fears that Britain would possibly close its borders after Brexit. He said the development of the British economy and universities need future talents from other countries.

"However, immigration control is in Britain's own hands. The issue concerning the status of the EU residents living in Britain, for example, will be resolved as soon as possible," Davis said.

"It is in everyone's interest that we solve the issue soon in a civilised manner," said Davis.

The British House of Commons, the lower house of the country's parliament, approved the Brexit bill last week, which will be submitted to the House of Lords, the upper house, later this month.

Brexit negotiation with the EU will start no later than the end of March.

The visit to Finland is part of Davis' tour of the Nordic countries, during which he will inform EU member states of the objectives related to Brexit negotiations.

--IANS

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