EU looks forward to a ‘fruitful’ relationship with Britain’s Theresa May

European Union president Donald Tusk said he looked forward to a “fruitful working relationship” with incoming British Prime Minister Theresa May who faces the task of negotiating the country’s exit from the bloc.

European Union president Donald Tusk said he looked forward to a “fruitful working relationship” with incoming British Prime Minister Theresa May who faces the task of negotiating the country’s exit from the bloc.

European Council president Donald Tusk attends a news conference at the Delegation of the European Union to China in Beijing.(Reuters File Photo)

“I look forward to a fruitful working relationship and to welcoming you to the European Council” of European Union leaders, Tusk said in a brief letter of congratulations that was released by his office Wednesday.

May’s first meeting with key EU leaders could be at the G20 summit in China on September 4 or 5, but her first encounter with all of the other 27 EU leaders will be at the next European Council summit on October 20-21.

Since Britons narrowly voted for Britain to leave the bloc in June 23 referendum, European leaders have asked London to quickly formalise its divorce but May has indicated she will not be rushed.

During a visit to China, Tusk said that “after this so called divorce procedure the UK will remain our closest partner”.