U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says Washington will seek one-on-one talks with North Korea within the six-party framework.

Clinton also said that the six-party nuclear talks are essential. She told reporters Wednesday that the framework has not only been a useful forum for the participants who deal with the challenge of North Korea's nuclear program but other issues that are part of the North Korean agenda.

Clinton said the six-nation talks have been useful not only vis-a-vis North Korea but among the participating nations in related matters in the region.

On Clinton’s remark, State Department deputy spokesman Robert Wood said Washington is currently reviewing its policies on North Korea and the North’s nuclear issue.

He reiterated Clinton’s use of the word “essential” to describe the role the six-way nuclear talks will play in Washington’s future dealings with the North.