The Premier has travelled to Europe to host talks on supervising international insurance.

David Burt, who is also the Minister of Finance, hosted the reception of the seventeenth annual International Insurance Regulatory Dialogue yesterday in Brussels, Belgium.

The dialogue was hosted by the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers and also celebrated the five-year anniversary of the opening of Bermuda’s Brussels Office.

Mr Burt told the gathering: “Over the past five years, the Brussels Office has played a crucial role in expanding Bermuda's outreach to new stakeholders. Its efforts in areas such as ocean governance, renewable energy and climate change have opened new avenues for collaboration and have strengthened Bermuda's international presence.

“The Government has also expanded the Brussels Office team to support young Bermudian students, enabling them to join as interns and gain valuable experience in international affairs.

“Over the next five years and beyond, the Government of Bermuda remains committed to continuing to invest in the Brussels office and will continue nurturing our relationship with the European Union and its member states.

“Whether addressing climate change, cyber-risks or financial services regulation, Bermuda and the EU share common challenges and goals.”

The Brussels Office is managed by Aliyyah Ahad, the Head of European Affairs and Policy.

It keeps track of EU policy developments that may have an effect on Bermuda, such as policies relating to financial services, taxation and digital assets.

The office also looks to build and strengthen relationships with the EU’s 27 member states.

When speaking on the five-year milestone of Bermuda’s Brussels Office, Ms Ahad said: “It has been an absolute honour and privilege to represent the Government of Bermuda in Brussels.

“Since it opened in 2019, the office has welcomed seven ministerial delegations, including this week’s visit.

“We have also arranged prominent meetings with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s secretary-general; EU Commissioners; EU member states’ ambassadors; and executive-level officials within the European Commission and European Council.

“As the EU becomes more and more active in the policy areas that impact Bermuda, it is crucial to maintain consistent engagement and continue sharing the Bermuda story.”

Mr Burt also took part in a discussion with Stephen Catlin, the executive chairman of Convex Insurance Group.

Earlier, he met officials within the European Commission’s Directorate General for Financial Services and the European Council’s Code of Conduct Group, which creates the biannual list of non-co-operative jurisdictions.

Mr Burt’s meetings continue today, with him travelling to Paris to meet with OECD officials before travelling to Ireland to meet with the Irish Minister of Finance and the Lord Mayor of Dublin.

Mr Burt is being assisted by Chidozie Ofoego, the Financial Secretary; Kenneth Joaquin, the Registrar of Companies; Kimberley Durrant, the Director of the Bermuda Government’s London Office; and Ms Ahad. He will return to Bermuda on September 11.