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UK must justify any delaying on EU exit talks – Hollande

After swiftly issuing an invitation to the Prime Minister when she took office last week, the French president will host a working dinner at the Elysee Palace.

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The future of Europe after Britain’s decision to leave the European Union is also up for discussion.

But during her visit to Berlin, May said she would not initiate the formal procedure for Brexit “before the end of this year” at the earliest.

“Things should not drag on”, Hollande said, hours before he is due to meet British Prime Minister Theresa May in Paris for the first time.

Mr Kenny faced a disappointing response last week from German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who did not take single out Ireland as being such a case, following Britain’s decision to leave the EU.

The diplomat said Britain could not get a custom-made agreement on its future relations with the EU.

The Brexit talks are expected to hinge on Britain’s desire to restrict immigration of European Union citizens but still retain vital access to the EU’s single market.

His instinct is partly driven by the need to undermine support for Marine Le Pen, who wants to hold a similar referendum in France.

It has been a long-standing French interest to weaken the City of London.

While German Chancellor Angela Merkel was somewhat receptive to Theresa May’s declarations that the United Kingdom needs more time before triggering Article 50, she may have a tougher audience in Paris later today.

He said: “Ireland and France are the UK’s nearest neighbours, with significant and complex economic, human, cultural and historical links”.

“So it’s good that we start from such a strong foundation and a position where both our countries believe in liberal markets and free trade and these should be the principles that guide us in the discussions ahead”.

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The two countries needed to continue to exchange information about terrorists, he said. “The two established a personal connection and relationship and the communication channels are now open”.

Enda Kenny to meet Francois Hollande in Dublin today