Brexit: German minister sees model for Turkey and Ukraine

A "smart" Brexit deal could serve as a model for the EU's future relations with other non-EU states, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel says.

Turkey and Ukraine were two states that could benefit from the template, he told Germany's Funke media group.

He did not see either joining the EU any time soon, so alternative forms of closer co-operation were needed.

The UK's future relationship with the EU, which it is due to leave on 29 March 2019, is still being negotiated.

The two sides agreed this month on the three "divorce" issues that took up the first phase of negotiations: how much the UK owes the EU, what happens to the Northern Ireland border and what happens to UK citizens living elsewhere in the EU and EU citizens living in the UK.

If we can reach a smart agreement with Great Britain that outlines its relations with Europe after Brexit, then that could serve as a model for other countries," he said.

He foresaw a "new, closer form of customs union" with Turkey, provided the situation in that country changed. That would appear to conflict with the UK's aim to leave the EU's customs union as well as its single market.

Germany is concerned at Turkey's human rights record under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, particularly the recent arrest of several German-Turkish nationals.

"It's a good sign that several detained Germans have been released," Mr Gabriel said, but he added there was still great concern over imprisoned journalist Deniz Yucel. "The Turks know how important his fate is for us," he said.