Boris Johnson has arrived in Brussels as he makes his official debut as foreign secretary on the world stage.

"The mission I will 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," Johnson said as he arrived in the Belgian capital.

Johnson, who successfully led the campaign for Brexit, said this did not mean Britain would "abandon" its role in Europe.

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

Johnson said he was "very much looking forward" to meeting his counterparts.

His journey to Brussels was disrupted after his plane made an emergency landing after suffering a "technical fault".

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.