The GAA is set to formally recognise the Gaelic Players' Association as the official body representing senior inter-county football and hurling players, following years of acrimony between the two groups.
In a joint-statement issued today both organisations said that a framework to facilitate discussions between the two was discussed at a meeting last night.
It is now envisaged that the two bodies will co-operate "within the current presidential term" of the GAA's Nickey Brennan.
Both parties are now in the process of drawing up discussion documents with a view to beginning talks in the coming weeks.
The GAA and the GPA have endured a stormy relationship in the past over issues such as player sponsorship and grants, which were also discussed at last night's meeting.
The "formal recognition" referred to in the statement will be seen as a landmark victory for the GPA.
The GPA was established in 1999 but the GAA initially refused to acknowledge it as valid representation of the players.
It has campaigned for government grants for its members since 2002 and in 2003 had remunerated 115 with revenue generated from a sponsorship deal with sports-drink Club Energise.
In 2005 in presented the GPA with a list of demands to be met and the threat of a strike. This was avoided by the GAA's commitment to meet the GPA in face-to-face talks.
In March this year the GPA announced a €3 million deal with car manufacturer Opel.