Cleverly, who is due to meet the EU pointman on the issue Maros Sefcovic again next week, reiterated he preferred a "negotiated solution" to the dispute to ensure political stability in Northern Ireland.

Source: https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/uk-minister-meet-nireland-parties-bid-end-deadlock-1711195

European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic, who also attended the conference on Tuesday, hailed the importance of “inclusivity”.

Source: https://www.barryanddistrictnews.co.uk/news/national/23464556.dup-will-not-brow-beaten-stormont-return-donaldson-vows/?ref=rss

In another apparent sign of progress, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly travelled to Brussels on Friday for a meeting with European Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic – an encounter both politicians described as “constructive”.

Source: https://www.ardrossanherald.com/news/national/23329476.dup-leader-hopeful-deal-can-done-ni-protocol-insists-work-remains/?ref=rss

Northern Ireland Secretary will attend talks with the EU’s Maros Sefcovic in on Thursday, but Government sources downplayed the chances of an agreement being struck this week.

Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/northern-ireland-brussels-chris-heatonharris-james-cleverly-belgium-b2288051.html

“Our thanks to Vice-President of the Commission, Maros Sefcovic, who really got to know the people of Northern Ireland and to understand their concerns.

Source: https://www.irishpost.com/news/taoiseach-urges-northern-irish-parties-to-give-new-windsor-framework-their-full-support-248524