The Commission, which is leading Brexit negotiations on behalf of the European Union, insisted the process would start in line with its "sequenced approach" to negotiating the UK's departure.
Mrs Foster said the issues under discussion included the stability of the United Kingdom government, Brexit and the Northern Ireland economy.
"We believe that the withdrawal process can not be concluded without the future relationship also being taken into account", the spokesman said.
But the Government signalled it will continue to push back against the Commission's stance by declaring the UK's withdrawal and future relationship with the European Union are "intimately linked".
The EU's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, has long argued that the initial talks should center on brokering deals on citizens' rights, money owed by the United Kingdom and the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Hammond, who may be in the vanguard of the shift, said in Luxembourg that he favors a "pragmatic" Brexit that safeguards jobs and the economy.
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Even with the gain, the shares have dropped 8.4 per cent this year, compared with an 8.5 per cent increase for the S&P 500 Index. We expect to see additional focus on meeting near-term operational targets amid this leadership transition.
The two discussed the ongoing talks to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland, and the DUP's new role in Westminster.
Prime Minister Theresa May in March formally notified the European Union of its intention to leave, starting a two-year timetable for negotiating the exit. "We will negotiate in good faith but it is a negotiation, we recognize there will be an exchange of views and we will take that forward in a spirit of genuine cooperation". "We had a series of negotiation after that, then the general election came so I think it is very much doable to have a deal by the end of this month". The inconclusive elections in Britain have further complicated matters.
European Parliament leaders laid into May and called for Britain to say when negotiations would start.They were meant to begin on June 19 but look unlikely to now as May tries to reach a political deal to stay in office.
Britain's financial obligations are expected to amount to at least $64 billion, and could go over $100 million, although London has suggested it will not pay that much. Other costs include the relocation of the EU's United Kingdom based medicine agency and banking authority.
Among topics that need to be agreed upon is the status of United Kingdom citizens living and working in the EU, as well as that of European nationals doing the same in Britain.
They face massive uncertainty on health benefits, pensions, taxes, employment and education.
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