Stability and progress in the political institutions is key for US investment in Northern Ireland, the American economic envoy has said.
Declan Kelly appealed for calm as Sinn Fein and DUP ministers met on Thursday for the first time since a row over transferring policing and justice powers from London to Belfast escalated.
Mr Kelly confirmed US secretary of state Hillary Clinton will visit Northern Ireland on October 12 for talks with political leaders.
Mr Kelly said: "It is fair to say that the US administration is anxious to ensure that there is an environment created for inward investment in Northern Ireland.
"Clearly, stability and progress in the political institutions is a key element of that.
"It would make our jobs a lot easier if that was the case."
He said he was confident that differences would be resolved and added that he hoped to attract US companies to Northern Ireland.
Sinn Fein and the DUP have been at loggerheads over devolution of policing and justice.
Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness wants a decision by Christmas but DUP First Minister Peter Robinson seeks to ensure sufficient community confidence exists and the funds are put in place to guarantee local policing and the rule of law does not suffer.
On Thursday, Mr McGuinness admitted his relationship with Mr Robinson had suffered and expressed frustration at the time progress was taking.
Mr Kelly was appointed last month to help boost US economic ties with Northern Ireland and encourage investment.
He said low labour costs and the educated workforce made it an attractive environment but warned every company sought security on the future.
"I am confident that there is enough momentum that we can make progress," he added.
"Investors when they are making decisions where to invest will always look at the local political environment to see if there is stability.
"Politicians who run Northern Ireland understand that too and we have been very clear about that."
© Press Association