VIENNA, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has warned that the Brexit process could come to a close without a deal reached by Britain and the European Union (EU), during a visit to Vienna on Wednesday.
Hunt was joined at a press conference by his Austrian counterpart Karin Kneissl following talks between the two, saying a collapse in negotiations with the EU is a distinct possibility that Britain is preparing for.
A "no deal" would have a "profound impact on the relations between Britain and EU countries for a generation," he said. In addition, it would be a "geo-strategic mistake," he added.
He said an extension of the Brexit negotiations is unlikely, however, given that neither the British parliament or the populace would likely accept this.
Kneissl said Austria too is preparing for a number of potential scenarios, and noted that the negotiations cannot be skirted around, and must be conducted as per relevant commission guidelines.
Hunt noted Austria's current key role in the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and said the good relations between the two countries should provide positive impetus in finding a workable solution.
The EU and Britain have common values and should stand shoulder-to-shoulder, he said, though noting that the time remaining for a solution is now "very short."