US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has urged Northern Ireland's political leaders to "complete" the process of devolution during a one-day visit to Belfast on Monday.
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Mrs Clinton, who met with assembly members, business and civic leaders, emphasized the US administration's commitment to the peace process.
But she said that the transfer of policing and justice to Stormont was an issue for the Assembly alone and urged the parties to work together to overcome the obstacle.
"I encourage you to move forward now with that same unstoppable spirit of grit and resolve. And I pledge that the United States will be behind you all the way, as you work towards peace and stability that will last."
The US Secretary of State praised the peace progress, saying it should be held up as a global template for peace: "Today Northern Ireland stands as an example to the world of how even the staunchest adversaries can overcome differences to work together for the common and greater good."
"There have been moments in Northern Ireland's peace journey when progress seemed difficult, when every route forward was blocked and there seemed to be no way to go. But you have always found a way," Mrs Clinton said.
'Making it work'
Peter Robinson welcomed the US Secretary of State's visit and also pointed to the progress made here: "Of course there are difficulties, but I believe we are committed to making it work, committed to the long haul, to overcoming the problems we face."
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, who also addressed the gathered media, said this was not a time for complacency: "This is a time for recognising the great achievements, but facing into the challenges that clearly face us."
After addressing assembly members at Stormont Mrs Clinton moved on to an engagement at Queen's University, where she met with local business leaders.
There she revealed that a special panel of US business experts is to be set up to help boost the Northern Ireland economy.
Mrs Clinton revealed that the group of more than a dozen American businessmen and women will offer their expertise to help create jobs.
'Greater partnership'
While there was no announcement of fresh investment she said she looks forward to new opportunities emerging in the future.
"Now, these efforts to promote greater partnership are win/win," she said.
"We often talk about investment in Northern Ireland but we have also got thousands of jobs created back in the States because of Northern Ireland investment."
From the business engagement Mrs Clinton then went on to attend the official re-opening of the city hall in Belfast.
The US Secretary is making her seventh visit to Northern Ireland since she first arrived as First Lady with her husband President Bill Clinton to boost the fledgling search for peace in the 1990s.
© Press Association