Dr Farry was speaking after Congressman Richard Neal said he had received assurances from President Donald Trump the position would remain filled, despite US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson announcing last month many international envoys would be removed.
“This is an encouraging development, and I thank the Friends of Ireland for their endeavours on this matter,” said Dr Farry.
“Over the past 20 years, Northern Ireland has benefitted significantly from the engagement of successive US administrations in terms of assistance in our peace process, the development of our economy and facilitation of investment, and support for social change such as integrated education.
“Ongoing and productive engagement between local stakeholders with the US Consulate and the State Department continues on a regular basis, and would continue regardless. However, the retention and filling of a US envoy post would give Northern Ireland a higher profile on a crowded international agenda and provide a focal point for progressing a range of issues.”