A U.S. House Representative and outspoken critic of North Korea's human rights record arrived on Saturday in Pyongyang for a four-day trip.

Tom Lantos, a ranking Democrat of the International Relations Committee, said on Saturday that he will meet with North Korean officials to discuss issues such as that of the North’s nuclear program, its reintegration into the international community, and human rights.

The Californian democrat also said that he would do his utmost to see if the U.S. can move North Korea's relationship with its partners, Japan, South Korea, China and Russia, closer to a constructive path.

Attention is being drawn to the motive of North Korea's acceptance of Lanto's visit to the Communist country. The U.S. Congressman is considered to wield a significant influence on U.S. policies toward the North.

Separately, a group of U.S. lawmakers led by Republican, Curt Weldon, is also scheduled to visit North Korea next week. Weldon led a similar Congressional delegation to North Korea in 2003.

North Korea said Friday that it attached little significance to the planned visit of the U.S. congressional group, accusing Washington of plotting to topple its regime. However, Pyongyang did not say it would prevent the visit.