The process of Britain's exit from the European Union has officially begun.

The process of Britain's exit from the European Union has begun. Earlier, Prime Minister Theresa May signed a letter announcing London's intention to invoke Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union to leave the member states.

"This is a historic moment. A moment of no return. We will now make our own decisions and make our own laws. We will seize this opportunity to build a stronger and fairer Britain for our children and grandchildren," May said in her speech to the British parliament.

European Council President Donald Tusk confirmed on Wednesday, March 29, that he had received Britain's letter of withdrawal from the European Union.

This marks the beginning of two years of long and complicated negotiations for Britain's exit from the European Union after four decades of membership. Brexit negotiations are expected to last until March 2019.

David O'Sullivan, the European Union's ambassador to Washington, told VOA that the bloc deeply regrets Britain's decision to leave the union.

"We deeply regret the UK's decision, but the foundations of democracy are one of the Union's highest values. It is time to begin withdrawal negotiations with the EU under Article 50 and from now on, our relationship with the UK will be based on that, which will of course not be without challenges, especially for the UK," he said.

The British people voted to leave the European Union in a referendum in June 2016. Following the referendum, British Prime Minister David Cameron resigned. One of his campaign promises was to hold a referendum on Britain's exit from the European Union.

Source: Voice of America