The Premier and Minister of Finance this evening met UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.

David Burt briefed Mr Johnson on Bermuda’s bid to attract more foreign investment and maintain its blue chip reputation.

Mr Burt said the UK had pledged support to the island’s ambition to grow its financial services sector and diversify into other areas.

He spent yesterday in talks with UK ministers and other officials.

Mr Burt met the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister of State for the Commonwealth and the UN, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, who has responsibilities for Overseas Territories.

The two discussed the agenda for the Joint Ministerial Council in November and Britain’s commitment to disaster relief and long-term aid in hurricane-hit UK territories.

The Premier also highlighted Government’s initiatives to address social and economic problems in Bermuda, including health and education.

In addition, Mr Burt visited the UK Treasury - Britain’s ministry of finance - for talks with Mel Stride, the Financial Secretary responsible for corporate taxation.

The Premier discussed Bermuda’s leading position in upholding high levels of international transparency and co-operation in financial services.

And he asked the UK to keep Bermuda updated on negotiations with the EU on Britain’s exit from the union and the potential impact on Bermuda’s financial services industry.

At the Home Office, Mr Burt met Mark Thomson, the Director General for UK visas and immigration and HM passport office.

Mr Burt raised concerns over Britain’s decision to print Bermuda passports in the UK instead of on the island.

The trip ends tomorrow with a number of interviews with financial journalists to discuss Bermuda’s financial sector.

Mr Burt earlier met officials from the EU and Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in Brussels and Paris.