By Gregory W. Slayton

U.S. Consul General to Bermuda

The United States and Bermuda are loyal allies and have been steadfast in support of each other for centuries. Fortunately for both sides, this partnership has grown and matured with age. It is a partnership of give and take and shared values.

Our relationship is at or near an all-time high, due to good will and hard work on all three sides of the Atlantic. The annual diplomatic visits to Washington that the American Consulate started back in 2006 to allow senior leaders of both Governments to meet with each other have definitely been a contributing factor. Over the past two years, meetings at the highest levels – with Senator John McCain, Senator Barack Obama and others – have contributed to a healthy, open dialogue between our two nations, preparing Bermuda's leaders to work with whichever political party wins the White House and Congress in November.

This year's joint diplomatic mission is the most ambitious to date. The three-day schedule is packed full of important meetings with political leaders of both Parties. But the highlight of this year's visit will be today's meeting with United States President George Bush. This is the first time the Premier of Bermuda has formally met with the President of the United States in 12 years, and it is a mark of our nations' regard and respect for each other that this meeting is happening.

Like all friendships – it is certain that our partnership will have both highs and lows in the years to come. But I am confident, by God's grace, that the United States, Bermuda and the UK will continue to build one of the world's strongest transatlantic partnership if we focus on our shared culture, work together to build ever stronger bridges of commerce and community and keep in perspective the legitimate differences that we may have from time to time on relatively minor issues.

We have been strong allies for centuries, and it is in the best interests of both nations to continue to build on this great alliance for the benefits of those generations yet to come.