EU, UK need widest possible free trade deal, Hungary says

BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Hungary's foreign minister Peter Szijjarto said on Wednesday the European Union and Britain should strive for the widest, most comprehensive possible free trade deal in the wake of Britain's impending exit from the bloc, or Europe risks economic harm.

He added that even though Brexit was "bad news for Europe as well as Hungary" the European Union must not penalise London in any way for the decision, and urged close cooperation between Europe and Britain in the areas of security and labour.

Szijjarto warned that the UK is likely to make quick trade deals with other nations, posing a risk to Europe if it proves less competitive.

(Reporting by Marton Dunai; Editing by Catherine Evans)