Obama Says Special Relationship Between US And UK Remains

From Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar PALO ALTO (California), June 25 (Bernama) -- US President Barack Obama says that the special relationship between the US and UK remains and will endure despite the latter's departure from the European Union (EU). "One thing that will not change is the special relationship that exists between our two nations. That will endure," he spoke in what was said to be his first public reaction to Brexit, following the results of a referendum held on June 23 which saw Britons voted to exit from the economic bloc. He said the vote spoke to the ongoing changes and challenges raised by globalisation. He said this while addressing technology-savvy audience at the final day of the three-day 2016 Global Entrepreneursip Summit here. Obama also believed that the UK was committed to an orderly transition and that the EU will still remain as one of US indispensable partners. "Just a few hours ago, I spoke with Prime Minister David Cameron. David has been an outstanding friend and partner on the global stage. "And based on our conversations, I'm confident that the UK is committed to an orderly transition out of the EU. "We agreed that our economic and financial teams will remain in close contact as we stay focused on ensuring economic growth and financial stability," he said. Obama said he had also spoken to Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel, of which both leaders agreed that the US and its European allies would work closely together in the weeks and months ahead. Obama had previously came under criticism when he warned Britain that it would go to the "back of the queue" for trade deals with the US if it voted to leave the EU. He had said that Britain would help to lead a strong EU. --BERNAMA