The Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Cowen, has described his first meeting in Dublin with the newly appointed Secretary for Northern Ireland, Mr Paul Murphy, as "constructive and detailed".
He said the Irish and British governments were united in the challenge of bringing about the full implementation of the Agreement.
It was revealed both governments would soon be in a position to make an announcement on talks aimed at resolving the deadlock in the peace process.
Mr Murphy said there was no quick-fix solution, but stressed that the Belfast Agreement must be implemented in full.
He spoke after meeting Mr Cowen for the first time since taking over from Dr John Reid as Northern Secretary.
"I come of course at a particularly difficult time," he said. "The Assembly is suspended because of a lack of trust, a lack of confidence between parties in Stormont and our job is to ensure that the Good Friday Agreement is implemented."
He said that once bilateral meetings were completed on both sides the issue of the mechanics of multi-party talks in Belfast would be dealt with.
Asked whether he envisaged multi-party talks getting under way shortly he answered that he did.
"Let no-one be mistaken that there is a momentum in all this which is very important and that both governments take that very seriously," he said.
The best method for talks would be discussed once bilateral meetings were over and details of that would be given next week, he added.
Mr Murphy said the central issue that had to be addressed was that of paramilitary activity, and warned that the process would take time and patience.
"There's no quick fix to this and whatever we have to do we have to ensure that it is the proper resolution to the difficulties we are facing," he said.
PA
