The First Minister Mr David Trimble and Deputy First Minister Mr Mark Durkan congratulated Newry and Lisburn which were awarded city status to mark Queen Elizabeth's golden jubilee.
Emerging from a meeting with US Secretary of State General Colin Powell at the State Department in Washington, Mr Durkan said he was especially pleased with Newry as someone whose father came from the area.
He quipped: "I know it means we are going to have to listen to Seamus Mallon talking about a tale of two cities and how he inherited Newry and Armagh as two towns when he became an MP and now has brought them into city status.
"I am delighted for Newry and Lisburn. Obviously I understand the disappointment of others."
First Minister Mr Trimble expressed disappointment that the town of Craigavon in his constituency was unsuccessful.
The Upper Bann MP responded: "Obviously one congratulates the two towns that have been made cities.
"However, I am afraid I have to make the obvious point that the hub of Northern Ireland, Craigavon, has been overlooked.
"Craigavon was promised city status many, many years ago and it is obviously disappointing."
Six towns in Northern Ireland submitted entries.
Three main factors were taken into account: notable features, including regional national significance, historical and royal features and a "forward-looking attitude". The queen made her decision after taking advice from ministers.
PA
