According to Premat, France is interested in strengthening bilateral relations with the UK after Brexit, particularly in the field of defense. At the same time, he argued that after Britain's withdrawal from the EU economic relations between the two parties can't remain the same.
"With regard to the European Union, free access to the internal market — to the market of the European Union — France believes that to be out of the Union means to be outside: there are norms defining relations with European countries; after Brexit [the UK] can't have free access [to the market] as other European countries. One shouldn't enjoy advantages without feeling negative effects," the politician said.
Premat also added that in the future the UK could have a status similar to that of Norway or Switzerland.
On Thursday following talks with French President Francois Hollande, UK Prime Minister Theresa May said that Paris wanted the unique border agreement between the two sides to stay in place despite Brexit.
Hollande also demonstrated flexibility with regard to the terms of the UK's withdrawal from the EU, arguing that London might need some time. He also tried to allay the fears of tens of millions of Britons who live outside the UK and ensure that they can continue to live and work in France, as long as they want.
