Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi says he believes North Korea wants to open direct dialogue with the United States, and thinks that Washington should consider that possibility.

Koizumi made the remarks in Tokyo Tuesday to foreign reporters on the eve of his departure for the U.S. state of Georgia to attend a Group of Eight summit of leading industrial nations.

Koizumi said he felt North Korea is willing to make progress ahead of the six-party talks on its nuclear arms program.

The Japanese leader said that during his visit to the communist state late last month, North Korean leader Kim Jong-il indicated an understanding that it is crucial for Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear weapons program in view of its urgent need for economic aid.