A high-level North Korean diplomat in the United States is likely to attend a forum next Tuesday in Washington on establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The U.S. State Department said Tuesday that it is actively considering ways to allow North Korea's Deputy Ambassador to the U.N., Han Song-ryol, to take part in the peace symposium.

Washington has until now been forbidding Han from visiting the U.S. capital, while not limiting his travels elsewhere in the United States. North Korean diplomats are required to obtain permission from the U.S. government prior to traveling to U.S. cities other than New York.

Legislators from both South Korea and the U.S. are expected to attend the forum, which is being organized by three Korea-related U.S. organizations, including the Korea Society. Participants will hold debates on ways to establish permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula and other security issues.