A data-sharing deal between the UK and European Union has been hailed as a "positive step" in talks to resolve the deadlock over Brexit's Northern Ireland Protocol.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Northern Ireland secretary Chris Heaton-Harris met European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic in London on Monday, as London and Brussels try to find a way forward.
Both sides welcomed an agreement on EU access to British IT systems as a key step in resolving the protocol impasse, which has led to the collapse of devolved government at Stormont.
A joint statement issued after the meeting described it as "cordial and constructive".
"They agreed that while a range of critical issues need to be resolved to find a way forward, an agreement was reached today on the way forward regarding the specific question of the EU’s access to UK IT systems," it said.
"They noted this work was a critical prerequisite to building trust and providing assurance, and provided a new basis for EU-UK discussions."
The statement said officials in London and Brussels would "work rapidly to scope the potential for solutions in different areas on the basis of this renewed understanding".
The trio will "take stock of progress" on January 16 - three days before a deadline to restore the Stormont Executive.
If a new Executive is not formed by January 19, the UK government assumes a legal responsibility to call a fresh Assembly election by April 13.
Mr Cleverly said on Twitter after the meeting: "We share the same focus – finding the best outcome for Northern Ireland.
"Today's progress on data-sharing marks a positive step in discussions on the NI Protocol."
Mr Sefcovic said it was a "new basis" for UK-EU discussions on the protocol, which has overshadowed Stormont politics since it was agreed to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland.
The post-Brexit treaty has angered unionists for creating new barriers to trade into Northern Ireland from Great Britain, with the DUP blocking Stormont power-sharing in protest.
Stormont parties gave a mixed reaction to the data-sharing announcement.
Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie said many people have been growing "increasingly frustrated by the lack of light from the negotiations".
He added: "It would seem significant to me that the Northern Ireland Secretary was part of today’s discussions, and I hope that he will be able to provide an update to Northern Ireland parties when we meet with him on Wednesday in Belfast."
SDLP Assembly leader Matthew O'Toole said the deal with the European Commission was a "positive sign".
He added: "Providing access to real time information about trade flows will allow the commission to assess the opportunities for solutions that address the concerns that have been raised on enforcement and, importantly, enhance the trust between the negotiators at a critical juncture."
TUV leader Jim Allister said the agreement in practice "means more EU, not less".
He added: "It is indicative that the present talks are about better implementation of the Protocol only and that the EU position of no change to its text is being pandered to."
Meanwhile, it has been reported a resolution to the protocol deadlock may not be agreed before the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
An "outline" political agreement between the UK and EU could be announced before the anniversary on April 10 to show some progress but months of technical work may still be needed, sources told RTE.
Last week Mr Cleverly said the government was not trying to align a breakthrough on the protocol with the anniversary of the 1998 peace deal.
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