North Korea’s Culture Minister Kang Nung-su says his country’s State Symphony Orchestra could visit the U.S. if it were invited.

Kang made the statement during an interview with the Wall Street Journal after the New York Philharmonic’s performance in Pyongyang Tuesday.

Kang said the American orchestra’s visit to Pyongyang had provided a great precedent toward improving bilateral relations.

He also downplayed the absence of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il at Tuesday’s concert, saying Kim is very busy with state affairs.