Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told his British counterpart Theresa May he would like to see the two countries strike a free trade deal as soon as possible following Britain's vote to leave the EU. 
May's office said on Sunday that the two leaders had spoken on Saturday to discuss their priorities after May took office on Wednesday and Turnbull retained power a week ago in a national election. 
While acknowledging that legal obligations prevent Britain from signing deals while still an EU member, May had replied she would be very keen to complete an agreement as soon as possible, the statement said. 
Turnbull confirmed in Sydney on Sunday that he had discussed a free trade agreement with May, describing their conversation as constructive. 
"Clearly our free trade arrangements with the United Kingdom of course are with the European community," he told reporters. 
"So as Britain leaves the EU, what we will need to do is negotiate direct arrangements with Britain," he said. 
Britain's June 23 vote to leave the European Union means the world's fifth-largest economy will have to negotiate new trade deals with Europe and other major markets in talks that could take years.

Source: QNA