U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has given the world a clearer view of how the Obama administration plans to deal with North Korea and the controversy surrounding its nuclear dismantlement.

In a 45-minute address to the New York-based Asia Society Friday, Clinton said that the U.S. would be willing to normalize relations with North Korea as long as the communist state agrees to “completely and verifiably eliminate their nuclear weapons program.”

CNN quoted Clinton as saying in the speech that while North Korea's nuclear program is "the most acute challenge to stability in northeast Asia" the Obama administration is prepared to seek a permanent, stable peace with Pyongyang as long as its government pursues disarmament and does not engage in aggression against neighboring South Korea.

U.S. daily the Washington Post says Clinton's statement suggests the U.S. could provide the North with energy and economic aid before it completely dismantles its nuclear program.

The French daily Le Figaro said North Korea's recent threats to nullify defense accords with South Korea is its way of grabbing the attention of the Obama administration to better position itself in future negotiations.