Britain is “in no sense” leaving Europe as it pulls out of the European Union, the new Foreign Secretary has said.

Boris Johnson said ahead of his first meeting of the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council that the UK would not “abandon its leading role” on the continent after Brexit.

The Brexit campaigner told reporters in Brussels that he had had a productive 45-minute meeting with EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini on Sunday.

“It's very, very good to be here for my first overseas trip,” he said.

“The message I'll be taking to our friends in the Council is that we have to give effect to the will of the people and leave the European Union.

“But that in no sense means we are leaving Europe. We are not going to be in any way abandoning our leading role in European participation and co-operation of all kinds.

“I had a very good conversation to that effect with High Representative Mogherini and she very much agreed that is a role Britain should continue to play.

Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Show all 12 1 /12 Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Brexit protest: Thousands march in London A woman poses with a home-made European Union flag as Remain supporters gather on Park Lane in London to show their support for the EU in the wake of Brexit PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Remain supporters demonstrate in Parliament Square PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Tens of thousands of people gathered to protest the result of the EU referendum PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London A majority of people in the capital voted to remain in the European Union Reuters Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Protesters chanted: “What do we want to do? Stay in the EU” PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London The march follows a similar rally in Trafalgar Square that was cancelled due to heavy rain – but which tens of thousands of people turned up to anyway Reuters Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Britain voted to leave the European Union in a referendum by 52 per cent to 48 per cent Reuters Brexit protest: Thousands march in London But support for the Leave campaign in urban areas and among young people was significantly lower Rex features Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Marchers gathered at Park Lane at 11am and marched towards Parliament Square PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Some protesters held up baguettes in a display of affection for our continental neighbours PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London The disparity between different parts of the country has promoted a four million signature petition calling for a second referendum and even a renewed push for Scotland to cede from the UK PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London The event’s organiser, King’s College graduate Kieran MacDermott, wrote: “We can prevent Brexit by refusing to accept the referendum as the final say and take our finger off the self-destruct button" Reuters

“When you look at the discussion on the table this morning over the horrific events in Nice, and Turkey where we have to work very closely together, you see the importance of that.

“On Nice, we will be ensuring that we co-ordinate our response to terror.

“On Turkey, it is very important in light of the failed coup that we see restraint and moderation on all sides, and that is what I will be calling for.

“In the meantime, I am very much looking forward to meeting my colleagues from other European countries.”

Mr Johnson made similar comments last week, arguing that he would be “reshaping Britain's global profile and identity as a great global player” in his new role.

The Foreign Secretary is expected to get a rough ride from his European Union counterparts at today’s meeting, who are well aware of his role in steering Britain towards the exit door.