Senior diplomats of South Korea and the United States held phone talks on Tuesday after the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un criticized their combined military exercise.

According to Seoul's Foreign Ministry, First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke on the phone Tuesday evening to exchange assessments and opinions of the Korean Peninsula situation. 

The ministry said the two sides agreed to continue coordinated diplomatic efforts for substantive progress in the denuclearization of and lasting peace on the peninsula.

They also agreed to continue consultation and exchanges of high-level officials. 

The two sides are thought to have discussed the intent of the North's protest against the drills, the possibility of provocation and possible responses. 

Earlier on Tuesday, Kim Yo-jong, the North Korean leader's sister, issued a statement criticizing Seoul and Washington for conducting the joint exercises.