Boris Johnson says Britain will not abandon role in Europe despite Brexit as he arrives for EU summit

Boris Johnson has insisted Brexit will not see the UK "abandon its leading role" in Europe as the new foreign secretary made his debut on the world stage.

Johnson, whose journey to Brussels was disrupted after his plane made an emergency landing, said he was "very much looking forward" to meeting his counterparts and presenting a positive case for Brexit.

"It's very, very good to be here for my first overseas trip," he told reporters. "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."

Johnson said he had a productive 45-minute meeting with EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini on Sunday.

He told reporters that he would also be discussing the Nice attacks and Turkey.

The ex-mayor of London urged the Turkish government to show "restraint" after the crackdown following the attempted military coup.

His appointment as foreign secretary last week was surprising and controversial after he was accused of making a number of gaffes on the international stage.