US President George Bush's administration remains committed to doing all in its power to help the Northern Ireland peace process.
First Minister David Trimble and Deputy First Minister Mark Durkan said after meetings in Washington with members of the Bush administration that the US's continued interest in Northern Ireland was deeply appreciated.
Emerging from meetings with President Bush's adviser on Northern Ireland affairs, Mr Richard Haass at the State Department and his National Security Adviser Ms Condaleezza Rice at the White House, Ulster Unionist leader Mr Trimble admitted Northern Ireland had been through difficult times.
But he added: "What we need now is a period of stability so that the devolved institutions can bed down.
"That will allow us to demonstrate the advantage of having a regional administration with the authority to take action on key issues that concern people, including health, roads, education and employment.
"During our meetings with Ambassador Haass and Dr Rice, the Deputy First Minister and I expressed our appreciation for America's continued support and influence which has had a positive impact on events in Northern Ireland.
"We are able to update the US administration on recent progress and our determination to work together with our Executive colleagues for the benefit of all people in Northern Ireland."
Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan arrived in Washington on the second leg of a week-long tour of the United States which began in New York on Sunday.
The Ulster Unionist and SDLP leaders took part in a special debate at the World Economic Forum on Northern Ireland with Sinn Fein president Mr Gerry Adams and loyalist Assemblyman David Ervine.
Mr Durkan said today America had provided "invaluable support and reassurance for Northern Ireland" during many difficult times.
It emerged tonight that Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid will visit the US next week for meetings with US politicians.
A Northern Ireland Office spokesman confirmed Dr Reid will hold talks in Washington with senior figures in the Bush administration in a four-day visit.
He is expected to meet Mr Haass, Dr Rice and Secretary of State Colin Powell.
PA