A new educational and cultural partnership has been formed between Bermuda and the US, it was announced on sunday.

The link, called the "Bermuda Exchange for Mutual Understanding" has been approved by the US State Department following talks between Premier Ewart Brown and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice earlier this year.

It will bring together leaders from both countries to discuss ideas relating to areas such as public safety and education.

Dr. Brown said last night: "This provides us with a fantastic opportunity to generate new ideas. Members of Congress and other Congressional staff will be permitted to come to Bermuda and participate in speeches, round table discussions and other brainstorming activities.

"On rare occasions in the past we've done this kind of thing, but it takes weeks to arrange the necessary diplomatic clearances. Now, with pre-approval from the State Department, we can rely on our friends in Washington far more easily. If they are in a position to help Bermuda, we will reach out."

US Consul General Gregory Slayton said: "We are delighted to see yet another bridge being built between the US and Bermuda.

"It is our hope that this programme will be a mutually productive endeavour for both Bermuda and the US for many years to come."

The programme will be administered by the Cabinet Office and will include exchanges between Bermuda's Government Ministries and members of the United States Senate, the House of Representatives and their Congressional staffs.

Around 36 countries have similar exchange links with the US including Japan, South Korea, Qatar and Switzerland.