US envoy says no hostile intent towards North Korea calls for talks
On Sunday Kim met with Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong at the minister's residence, where they discussed ways for a speedy resumption of the peace process on the Korean peninsula, a foreign ministry official said.
In an interview with KBS, South Korea's national broadcaster, Kim urged Pyongyang to return to dialogue, saying Washington was ready to address its concerns.
"We are willing to address the full range of issues and concerns including those that are of importance to DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)," Kim said. "Given the opportunity we will be able to make substantial progress."
The US envoy is expected to meet with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov on Tuesday in Seoul.
The nine-day joint military exercise began on Aug 16, with silence so far from North Korean state media despite fears that the country could conduct a missile test or take other actions to underscore its disapproval.
North Korea has said it is open to diplomacy, but that the American overtures appear hollow while "hostile acts" such as the drills continue.
US President Joe Biden's administration has said it will explore diplomacy to achieve North Korean denuclearisation, but shown no willingness to ease sanctions.
The United States supports efforts to improve ties between the two Koreas and remains open to direct talks with Pyongyang, Kim said.
"I continue to stand ready to meet with my North Korean counterparts anywhere at any time," he said.
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