Efforts to get a deal to restore the Stormont executive are expected to intensify over the coming days.
With time set aside at Westminster next week for debating legislation to enable the restoration of the institutions, the two governments are thought to be keen to see the current process quickly brought to a head.
Sinn Féin's ard chomhairle will meet in Dublin this morning and while the talks north of the border are expected to be on the agenda, party sources are insisting the meeting is "entirely routine".
In recent weeks the DUP and Sinn Féin have adhered to a 'no commentary' policy around the negotiations, however, Arlene Foster broke with convention on Thursday night to issue an update on the discussions.
She said there had been "solid progress" but that more work was required if there was to be an agreement.
“It is vital that we move forward on a basis where one culture or language is not elevated above another in Northern Ireland," she said.
“If we are to build a truly shared future then it must be on an equal footing and not built on a basis of cultural domination – that is an approach we have made clear over many months and it remains the case."
The former first minister turned on "fellow unionists... not involved in the negotiations" – thought to be a reference to erstwhile DUP MEP Jim Allister, now leader of the TUV.
"They should cease from their scaremongering," she said.
"I well recall the shameful way some tried to frighten people when we were negotiating the return of justice powers to Stormont – their predictions of doom were proved false back then."
Mrs Foster said unionists know her party will "stand up for the union and the identity we all cherish".
"Those who peddle scare-stories are doing the work of those who oppose the union," she said.
"The DUP will always do what is in the best interests of Northern Ireland and we will stand strong for the people of NI as we seek agreement that both unionists and nationalists can support."
But Mr Allister hit back at the DUP leader, citing a recent intervention by Orange Order grand secretary Mervyn Gibson, who said his organisation would not allow itself to be a "bargaining chip" in the negotiations.
"Once more the Orange Order has made a timely contribution against any temptation by the DUP to secure power with Sinn Féin at the price of conceding legislative advances for the Irish language," the TUV leader said.
"Clearly, the order gets it, that conceding the Sinn Féin demand would hollow out our Britishness and public service as part of Sinn Féin’s long game."
Mr Allister said "legitimate concerns are not scaremongering".
