The Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan is taking part in high profile talks in the US today that include a meeting with the US Vice President Joe Biden and the Secretary of State John Kerry in Washington.

Later he will also address the United Nations General Assembly and meet with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

The Department of Foreign Affairs says this will provide an opportunity to discuss "the key challenges facing the international community, including the situation in Syria and Iraq, developments in Ukraine and Gaza, and the rapidly developing crisis caused by the Ebola epidemic in West Africa."

He says he will be outlining the Irish perspective on international issues and our commitment to UN peacekeeping.

The meeting with Mr Biden and Mr Kerry comes ahead of newly announced peace talks in the North.

Mr Flanagan will also discuss Ireland's approach to the post-2015 development agenda, and the outcome of last week's climate summit.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Mr Flanagan said: "Participating in a series of high-level events, attended by leaders from the entire membership, offers an important opportunity to re-state Ireland's long-standing commitment to the United Nations, and its primary role in protecting international peace and security."

"During my meeting with Secretary-General Ban, I will discuss the key challenges facing the international community, and Ireland's commitment to working with partners to build and preserve peace, promote sustainable development and achieve an end to hunger."

"In my address to the UN General Assembly, I will outline Ireland's perspective on the major issues confronting the global community, and will stress the importance of working together to stop atrocities and crimes against humanity, to end impunity, and the importance of adherence to the principles of international law," he added.

Mr Flanagan also says strong US support is crucial for the success of the talks in Northern Ireland.