Northern Ireland's political leaders met US Secretary of State General Colin Powell today and said that the Bush administration is committed to assisting the two communities overcome remaining differences.
"This administration is focused," said First Minister Mr David Trimble.
He said the administration's commitment was made clear during a meeting with President George Bush at the White House yesterday.
Deputy First Minister Mr Mark Durkan said: "We see in this administration people who are purposeful and practical."
Mr Trimble said the meeting with Gen Powell focused on progress made over the past year and on the challenges that lie ahead.
But Mr Trimble would not be drawn on Dr Reid's distancing of himself from the critical comments on the Republic.
Concentrating on the meeting with Gen Powell, the Ulster Unionist leader said they had "reflected on the progress that was made since we last met him a year ago and reflected on the progress that might be made in the future.
"Our discussion covered a range of issues beyond the familiar topics of decommissioning, violence and paramilitary."
Mr Durkan said the Bush administration had been supportive of the new policing structure established in Northern Ireland and encouraged by the work so far of in the new 19-member cross-community Police Board.
"We also talked about how the Bush administration could help us in different ways as we now deal as a devolved government with other issues and try to get to grips with them."
As their joint visit to Washington drew to a close Mr Trimble insisted that it had been positive.
"This US administration is focused and that came out very clearly in the White House events yesterday," the Northern Ireland First Minister observed.
"They are very keenly interested in Northern Ireland and we welcome the opportunity to meet with the President and his administration to exchange information."
AP/PA