Updated at 3pm with video

Brexit lead negotiator Michel Barnier said on Friday that the EU was open to being “more ambitious” in talks, if the UK wished.

Addressing a press conference with Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Mr Barnier told journalists however, that it was crucial to protect the EU’s fundamental principles, even when being more “open” during talks with the UK.

“An orderly Brexit is the best possible start for a new and close relationship with the UK. In any case, UK will remain an economic partner,” Mr Barnier said.

Thanking Malta for its part in the negotiations, Mr Barnier said that following talks with the government earlier on Friday morning, he would also be meeting various stakeholders in order to ensure there is open dialogue.

On his part, Dr Muscat reiterated that ball is firmly in Britain's court, adding that he “really and truly” hoped that talks in the UK would lead to a decision that would “unblock the situation”.

“We have a very good level of preparedness both in the case of a deal or no deal scenario. I believe that we will continue to work in this direction with very concrete plans,” the Prime Minister said.

Video filming courtesy of Newsbook.

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