A top-level North Korean official has welcomed the recent shift in U.S. policy towards North Korea, saying the change in direction is a relief.

Former Deputy Ambassador to the U.N., Han Sung-ryol, said in a news conference after speaking at a seminar in London that America’s policies towards the North are different from a year or two ago.

Han also said in his speech on the North Korean nuclear issue and the six party talks that America's will to abandon its hostile policy toward the North is reflected in its stance on economic sanctions against Pyongyang.

Han added that restoring diplomatic ties between the two countries solely depends on Washington’s will.