The Premier, the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, concluded his European and UK visit with a series of meetings in London focused on strengthening international partnerships.
While in London, Premier Burt hosted the Rt. Hon. Dame Priti Patel, Shadow Foreign Secretary at the Government of Bermuda London Office. During the meeting, Premier Burt provided a briefing on matters of importance to Bermuda. The Premier also took the opportunity to highlight Bermuda’s long-standing relationship with His Majesty’s Opposition and the importance of continued dialogue with all sides of the UK political spectrum.
The Premier also met with the new Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, at Marlborough House. As the first Overseas Territory leader to meet with the newly appointed Secretary-General, Premier Burt reaffirmed Bermuda’s close ties with the Commonwealth and discussed shared priorities. Secretary-General Botchwey expressed her commitment to strengthening relationships with British Overseas Territories, and both parties agreed on the importance of continued collaboration within the Commonwealth community.
Premier Burt also met with Mr Abdeslam El-Idrissi, Deputy CEO of the Arab British Chamber of Commerce, and Mr Karim Fatehi, CEO of the London Chamber of Commerce, to promote Bermuda as a jurisdiction open to investment and international trade, particularly with members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Discussions focused on areas of mutual economic interest and opportunities to deepen commercial ties between Bermuda and the Arab world.
The Premier’s final meeting before returning to Bermuda was with the Association of British Insurers (ABI), one of the UK’s leading industry bodies. The discussion focused on Bermuda’s position as a global re/insurance hub, high regulatory standards, and future collaboration between Bermuda-based and UK-based insurers.
All meetings in London were arranged through the Government of Bermuda London Office, and the Premier and delegation were joined by The Director of the London Office and UK Representative Ms Kimberley Durrant.
Speaking after the series of engagements, Premier Burt said, “Bermuda values its international partnerships and the opportunities that come from direct engagement with leaders across government and industry. We are also proud to highlight our political stability and steady leadership which other jurisdictions have commended us on.
“With growing global economic uncertainty, it is vital to ensure Bermuda remains well-connected and engaged. Whether advancing our relationships within the Commonwealth, strengthening political connections in the UK, or promoting Bermuda as a trusted jurisdiction for global investment to help create jobs for Bermudians the Government must continue to engage internationally.”
Premier Burt is scheduled to return to Bermuda this evening (April 15).
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