Britain should remain close partner after Brexit: Merkel

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte (C) arrives at the European Council in Brussels, Belgium, Oct. 17, 2018. The current status of the Brexit negotiations will be the key issue at the EU summit on Wednesday evening. British Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to explain to heads of state of the 27 EU members how she envisages a solution to the remaining questions regarding Brexit. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)