BREXIT must not be allowed to damage a "hard won" peace in the north, the Tánaiste told an event in New York last night.
Speaking as part of his three day visit to the United States, Simon Coveney told the event at Columbia University that the Republic has prepared well for the UK's exit from the European Union next year.
But he warned that Brexit must not undermine the Good Friday Agreement.
"The EU, and of course the US, played a pivotal role in this achievement, together with the British and Irish Governments," he said.
"And the Agreement was endorsed by huge majorities in Northern Ireland and in Ireland. We therefore all share the same goal of protecting the Good Friday Agreement and the gains of the peace process."
Mr Coveney said it is in the Republic and EU's interests to make sure the UK retains a close connection with the bloc.
He said although the UK and EU's future relationship is still unclear, if the UK wants a close link "its own regulatory rules and structures will need to be, at a minimum, closely aligned with those of the union".
He also emphasised the importance of restoring power-sharing following the collapse of key talks last week.
"Despite the efforts of both Governments in recent months, and especially in recent weeks, it is deeply regrettable that there is at present no power-sharing Executive in place," he said.
"However, we will not give up – we cannot give up."
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Theresa May has been accused of being "too weak" to face down hard Brexiteers in her party after more than 60 Tories set out their demands for the next stage of exit talks.
Mrs May will hold a crunch meeting with senior Cabinet ministers today to thrash out an agreement on how to proceed in negotiations with the EU.
In a letter, Conservative MPs warned the UK must have full control over laws after Brexit and must not become a "rule taker".
Britain must not be stopped from negotiating and signing trade deals during any transition period, they said.
The letter was sent by the European Research Group (ERG), made up of Tory Eurosceptics, and was signed by 62 MPs, including former Cabinet ministers Priti Patel and Iain Duncan Smith.
It includes several "suggestions" for securing a successful Brexit, including "taking control" of World Trade Organisation tariff schedules that regulate trading.
The Government should publish a mandate showing how the UK wants to approach trade with the rest of the world, it said.
"The UK must be free to start its own trade negotiations immediately," the letter adds.
Labour said the letter exposed the "deep divisions" in the Conservative Party.
Paul Blomfield, shadow Brexit minister, said: "It is clearer than ever that Theresa May cannot deliver the Brexit deal Britain needs.
"She is too weak to face down the fanatics in her own party and to deliver a final deal that protects jobs and the economy."
