Senior diplomats of Korea, Britain and the European Union held talks Wednesday to coordinate their response to Britain's decision to leave the EU.

The three-way meeting came as Seoul has been taking measures to stem any fallout from "Brexit" after the British people voted in a referendum Thursday to leave the 28-member bloc.

First Vice Foreign Minister Lim Sung-nam, who formerly served as Seoul's top envoy to London, said Korea respects the decision of the British people.

"But regardless of the outcome of the referendum, we believe that we can continue to develop a broad and creative partnership with the U.K., which was agreed upon by the two leaders at the summit meeting in November 2013," he said on the outset of his talks with British Ambassador to Seoul Charles Hay and his EU counterpart, Gerhard Sabathil. "Likewise, we want to continue to further develop the strategic partnership with the EU in every area."

Lim especially expressed hope for continued close coordination and cooperation on North Korea's nuclear issue and human rights situation.

Hay sought to ease concerns over Brexit, saying many things will remain the same in terms of the relationship with Korea.

"We will continue to work very, very closely together with our partners -- Korea, with our EU colleagues -- in tackling the global issues we face together," he said. "I'm sure that the very important trading and investment relationship between the U.K. and Korea will continue to go from strength to strength."

Sabathil also reassured Lim that any amendments to the EU's treaties with Korea following Britain's departure will not change the "substance" of those agreements.

"Our policy with regard to North Korea will stay," he said.

"Just now our satellite navigation treaty enters into force. Nothing changes."

The EU slapped sanctions on North Korea to punish the regime for its fourth nuclear test and its long-range rocket launch earlier this year.

The foreign ministry said it will launch an in-house task force next week to handle the Brexit issue and its possible impact on Korea's national security, diplomacy, economy and consular affairs. (Yonhap)