Kerry visits Brussels to discuss Brexit

US Secretary of State John Kerry visited Brussels, discussing with European officials on Britain's EU membership referendum, as well as a range of regional and global issues key to the US-EU partnership.

During the press conference following Kerry's meeting with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, Kerry said on Monday the Brexit vote did not come out the way he, US President Barack Obama and others hoped that it would, but that's democracy, expressing their respect for the rights of the voters and the process.

"It is critical as we go forward in these next days to understand the importance of a strong EU. The US cares about a strong EU," said Kerry, Xinhua news agency reported.

"So it is my intention, in furtherance of President Obama's commitment to both the EU and the special relationship, to do everything in our power to make this transitional process as sensible and as smooth as it can be," he said.

"I know (John Kerry) is travelling to London later today. I would pass this clear message - the EU is as strong as before and the EU can be even stronger in the future. We will continue to work together in this respect," said Mogherini.

Kerry is on a visit to Rome, Brussels and London from June 25 to 27.

He was scheduled to tour London to discuss the Britain referendum on EU membership and other important global issues, including Syria and the fight against the Islamic State (IS).

--IANS

pgh/