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Boris today welcomed senior politicians from eight crucial EU allies to his country retreat at Chevening.

The Foreign secretary was holding talks with counterparts from eight countries, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, to discuss European security after Brexit.

But that didn't stop him finding time to show off the grounds of his grace and favour mansion in Kent.

(Image: PA)

Slovenia's State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andrej Logar, Czech Republic's Deputy Foreign Minister Ivo Sramek, Bulgaria's Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zakharieva, Croatia's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Marija Pejcinovic Buric and Poland's Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski enjoyed a walk after lunch.

And Mr Johnson insisted that they made the most of the residence's grounds including the boating lake.

(Image: AFP) (Image: AFP)

Slovenia's State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andrej Logar stepped in to help the foreign secretary showing the importance of European cooperation.

(Image: AFP) (Image: AFP)

The Czech Republic's Deputy Foreign Minister Ivo Sramek bravely agreed to join the voyage as Boris's wife Marina Wheeler handed him an oar. Boris cast off as they grabbed an oar each.

(Image: AFP)

Boris and Ivo Sramek demonstrated that Britain can still cooperate with its EU partners even after Brexit.

Speaking after the meeting Mr Johnson said: "Our departure from the EU will make no difference to Britain's unconditional and immovable commitment to the security and defence of Europe.

"This meeting was a further demonstration that the UK is a vital partner in the security of our continent."

The lunch was ahead of the meeting of the European Council in Brussels next week.