Michael Dunkley met with congressmen in a relationship-building trip to the United States.

The Premier took part in the New York launch of the Bermuda Tourism Authority’s “Race to Bermuda” event on Wednesday last week, as well as attending events in Washington as part of the 45th Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Annual Legislative Conference on Thursday evening.

According to a Cabinet statement, as part of the CBC celebrations, Mr Dunkley attended an event honouring Congressman James Clyburn of South Carolina, the number three Democrat in the House of Representatives.

Congressman Clyburn, during his remarks, acknowledged the presence of Mr Dunkley and expressed appreciation for the friendship they have developed.

While there, the Premier spoke with Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, who he met earlier this year on Capitol Hill.

Later in the evening, Mr Dunkley attended the leaders’ reception in honour of the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressman G K Butterfield of North Carolina.

Mr Butterfield, while acknowledging Premier Dunkley to the invited guests, made special note of his paternal ancestry relationships with Bermuda and his frequent visits to the Island.

Mr Dunkley also met with US Attorney-General Loretta Lynch, Ambassador Diane Watson, former representative from California.

The evening concluded with attendance at the 45th Annual Legislative Conference Gospel Extravaganza, held at the United House of Prayer for All People, co-hosted by Mr Clyburn, Mr Butterfield, Congressman Bennie Thompson of Mississippi and Congressman Sanford Bishop of Georgia.

The Premier was accompanied to the CBC events by Cabinet Secretary Derrick Binns and Cheryl Packwood, director of Bermuda’s Washington office.