United States Attorney General Eric Holder is visiting Bermuda next week, when he will meet Premier Ewart Brown and Attorney General Kim Wilson.

Drug-trafficking, violent crime, gangs and mutual legal assistance will be on the agenda on Thursday, with Acting Governor David Arkley and US Consul General Grace Shelton also involved.

Dr. Brown told The Royal Gazette yesterday: "The relationship between Bermuda and the United States of America is warm, long-standing and mutually beneficial.

"I had the pleasure of meeting the Attorney General in Washington, D.C., during the inauguration of President Obama and welcome the opportunity to host Mr. Holder in Bermuda.

"It is our hope that this visit will further deepen and strengthen our partnership with the US Government."

On his visit to Washington a year ago, the Premier and Mr. Holder spoke over Government's request to reopen discussions on the clean-up of Bermuda's Baselands.

At that time, Dr. Brown warned "progress comes in small steps" but took heart that his request for a conversation on the matter with Mr. Holder had not been declined.

Mess left behind when the Americans left Kindley Air Force Base and Morgan's Point 14 years ago includes waste such as mercury, paint, batteries and vast amounts of oil.

The clean-up is expected to cost tens of millions of dollars, but the US previously only agreed to pay $11 million for the replacement of Longbird Bridge.

As confirmation of plans for a multi-million dollar resort for Morgan's Point came through this month, the Premier reiterated Bermuda is still in discussions with the US over the clean-up.

At the previous meeting with Mr. Holder, Dr. Brown also discussed the possible relaxing of the stop list, which prevents rehabilitated prisoners from Bermuda travelling to the States and has been dubbed unfair by many.

Ms Shelton said yesterday: "I am delighted that Attorney General Holder will visit Bermuda.

"A member of the Cabinet, Attorney General Holder's trip highlights the strong ties between Bermuda and the United States.

"The US and Bermuda also cooperate on legal and law enforcement issues and I expect his visit to deepen this partnership."