British Prime Minister Theresa May

British Prime Minister Theresa May welcomed a decision by EU leaders in Brussels on Friday to open crucial talks on a post-Brexit relationship with Britain and thanked the European Commission and EU presidents.

"Today is an important step on the road to delivering a smooth and orderly Brexit and forging our deep and special future partnership," May said on Twitter, thanking European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and EU President Donald Tusk.

source: AFP