European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier attends an EU's General Affairs Council in Brussels, Belgium, September 18, 2018. REUTERS/Yves Herman

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union’s Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said on Thursday he was working for a Brexit deal and a close economic relationship afterwards.

Barnier said after meeting Spain’s industry minister in Brussels: “The EU continues to work for an orderly Brexit and an ambitious future partnership with the UK that should include a close economic relationship.”