A high-ranking North Korean official says Pyongyang does not wish to retain hostile relations with United States forever despite hostile US policy.

Kim Yong-dae, vice president of the Presidium of the North's Supreme People`s Assembly, on Tuesday said the North is willing to peacefully resolve all matters via dialogue and negotiations if Washington recognizes the communist regime and agrees to coexist.

Kim was speaking to visiting Lions Club International President Clement Kusiak, Chairman Lee Tae-seop and Lions Clubs of Korea President Woo Ki-jeong.

The North's health minister Kim Su-hak and Vice-president Kim Sung-il of reconciliation council were also present.

The Lions Club delegation of 150 members mostly from South Korea—visited the North Friday through Monday, attending the opening ceremony of the Pyongyang Lions Eye Hospital near the Daedong River.