The Premier concluded his visit to Britain and Europe with a series of meetings in London.

David Burt hosted Dame Priti Patel, Britain’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, at the Government of Bermuda London Office.

He highlighted Bermuda’s longstanding relationship with His Majesty’s Opposition — the Conservative Party at present — and the importance of continued dialogue with a wide range of Britain’s political spectrum.

The Premier also met Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

As the first Overseas Territory leader to meet with the newly appointed secretary-general, Mr Burt reaffirmed Bermuda’s close ties with the Commonwealth and discussed shared priorities.

A government spokeswoman said that Ms Botchwey expressed her commitment to strengthening relationships with British Overseas Territories, and the two agreed on the importance of continued collaboration within the Commonwealth community.

The Premier also met Abdeslam El-Idrissi, the deputy chief executive of the Arab British Chamber of Commerce, and Karim Fatehi, the chief executive of the London Chamber of Commerce.

The government spokeswoman said that Mr Burt promoted Bermuda as a jurisdiction open to investment and international trade, particularly with members of the Gulf Co-operation Council.

Talks 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 he returned to Bermuda was with the Association of British Insurers, one of Britain’s leading industry bodies.

That discussion focused on Bermuda’s position as a global reinsurance hub, high regulatory standards, and future collaboration between Bermudian-based and British-based insurers.

All meetings in London were arranged through the Government of Bermuda London Office.

The Premier and his delegation were joined by the office’s director and UK representative, Kimberley Durrant.

Speaking after the series of engagements, Mr 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.”