“I warmly welcome news that the DUP and Sinn Fein will move to nominate a First Minister and deputy First Minister for the Northern Ireland Executive.

“The stability of the Northern Ireland Executive and the full operation of all the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement are critical for the peace and security of the people of Northern Ireland, and for all the people of these islands.

“Finding a way forward on delivery of key commitments in the New Decade New Approach agreement is important progress.

“I look forward to working closely with the First Minister and deputy First Minister. We share significant challenges ahead to build economic and societal recovery as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic. There is much we can do together in terms of practical cooperation for the benefit of people across this island. “