US politicians don't come much more high profile or influential than Condoleezza Rice — but today the Secretary of State took time out of her frantic schedule to meet with Bermuda's leaders.

Premier Ewart Brown and Deputy Premier Paula Cox were granted a brief audience with Dr. Rice at the State Department in Washington DC along with US Consul General Gregory Slayton.

The five-minute chat — during which Dr. Rice was invited to the Island to witness firsthand the resurgent tourism industry — was orchestrated by Mr. Slayton, who has known the powerhouse politician for years.

The visit to the State Department was the highlight of a two-day bilateral trip to the US capital, described by Dr. Brown yesterday as marvellous. He said meeting Dr. Rice was a huge honour for him and a coup for the Island.

"I thought she was very warm and gracious," he told The Royal Gazette. "It was brief — just a photo opportunity and a a brief conversation. We talked about tourism and hotel development."

He said Dr. Rice — twice voted the most powerful woman in the world by Forbes magazine and fourth in the presidential succession line — told the delegation that, if the Island had any pressing issues, she was available through her staff to help.

"She also promised that when she gets a moment she will come to Bermuda," the Premier said.

Mr. Slayton added: "I have a lot of friends in this administration and I have known the Secretary for many years. I can tell you that, from the US government perspective, it was a positive meeting. Condi talked about the impact of the rule of law, how pleased she was to see things going well in Bermuda and how much she would like to come and visit."

The delegation is flying back to Bermuda tonight. For more on the Washington meetings see tomorrow's The Royal Gazett>.