Stephen Doughty, the British Minister of State for the Overseas Territories, met officials across the island this week as part of his inaugural visit to Bermuda.

Mr Doughty, who arrived on the island on Wednesday and departed yesterday, met with David Burt, the Premier, Andrew Murdoch, the Governor, and others during his brief stay, discussing a range of issues including security, sanctions and the environment.

On Wednesday, Mr Doughty and Mr Burt signed a letter of intent for Britain and Bermuda to work in partnership to develop an “Atlantic Child Advocacy Alliance” using expertise from Bermuda and the southern ocean Overseas Territories of the Falkland Islands, St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha to strengthen litigation guardian services.

They also signed a memorandum of understanding, under which Britain will make available up to £300,000 (about $400,000) for initiatives to enhance Bermuda’s capacity to carry out sanctions and better enforce British sanctions.

Mr Doughty said that the measures would “strengthen our joint work in deterring Russian aggression in Ukraine”.

A Government House spokeswoman said that Mr Doughty met representatives from the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers yesterday to discuss their work tackling climate-related disasters.

She added: “Mr Doughty then met Jaché Adams, the Minister of Public Works and Environment, welcoming the work being undertaken to protect the environment and recognising the critical stewardship role of Bermuda.

“Mr Adams accompanied Mr Doughty on a tour of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources facility at Coney Island.

“They viewed video footage captured by the Blue Belt-funded Baited Remote Underwater Video and also heard how UK Darwin funding has supported the work of the Living Reefs Foundation to restore coral reefs and protect the coast from hurricane and storm impacts.”

Mr Doughty spoke with Mr Murdoch alongside Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, with Darrin Simons, the Commissioner of Police, during a meeting focused on gun and gang violence.

During the meeting, Mr Doughty recognised the recent rise in violent crime as concerning and was “ardent in his commitment of UK support”.

He met representatives of the Royal Bermuda Regiment and undertook to support requests for greater access to equipment, training and overseas exercises.

Mr Doughty said that he was delighted to make his first official visit to the island, stating that Bermuda and Britain enjoy a “longstanding, collaborative and mature partnership”.

He said: “We share priorities on strengthening security, defending our interests and tackling serious and organised crime, so it was useful to meet with the Bermuda Police Service and the Royal Bermuda Regiment, where we discussed what more we can do together.”

He added: “I look forward to continuing these important conversations at the annual Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council in November.”