Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Britain's new Foreign Secretary David Lammy have agreed there is 'significant opportunity' for a reset of bilateral relations.
Mr Martin spoke with Mr Lammy on Friday following a landslide victory by the UK Labour Party in the country's general election.
Mr Lammy was appointed earlier by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who said the UK has "voted decisively for change, for national renewal and the return of politics to public service".
Following the talks Mr Martin said Ireland and the UK now have "a significant opportunity for a reset of our bilateral relationship".
"Now is a moment to embrace the spirit of partnership that we know can and does deliver for the people who call these islands home," he said.
"We face challenges and we face opportunities, from the local to the global, from the Middle East to Ukraine, from positive UK engagement with the EU, to defending the multilateral order.
"There is much for us to discuss and I am looking forward to engaging on all these issues with the Foreign Secretary over the period ahead."
'Shared agenda'
Mr Martin said Dublin and London will see positive progress.
"Our countries share a relationship that is as rich as it is important," he said.
"We are near neighbours with close cultural connections. We are significant trading partners with countless family ties, reaching across these islands.
"Most critically, together, the British and Irish Governments are co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement.
"I look forward to building on that foundation to ensure positive progress together and to take forward our shared agenda," he added.
'Great reset'
Hilary Benn has been named as Britain's new Northern Ireland Secretary.
His role comes after a stint as chair of the House of Commons Brexit Committee where he was heavily involved in the UK withdrawal from the EU and ensuing issues around the Irish border.
He also has previous experience as a cabinet minister - first entering under Tony Blair as International Development Secretary in 2003.
Mr Martin also had a "positive first call" with Mr Benn on Friday.
"We had a constructive conversation on legacy issues and agreed to work together on a path forward," he said.
"This is a vital endeavour and I am committed to taking it forward with urgency with the Secretary of State".
Mr Benn said he is looking forward "to working with all the NI parties, to upholding the Belfast Good Friday Agreement and to helping NI realise its full potential".
It is a great honour to be appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. I look forward to working with all the NI parties, to upholding the Belfast Good Friday Agreement and to helping NI realise its full potential as a fantastic place to live, work and invest. @NIOgov
— Hilary Benn (@hilarybennmp) July 5, 2024
Meanwhile Sinn Féin has emerged as Northern Ireland’s largest party at a Westminister level for the first time.
Taoiseach Simon Harris earlier welcomed the opportunity for a “great reset” in Anglo-Irish relations.
