North Korea has reportedly renewed an invitation for U.S. special envoy Stephen Bosworth to visit Pyongyang.

U.S. evangelist Franklin Graham, who recently arrived in Bejing after visiting Pyongyang for three days to organize food aid projects, made the announcement in an interview with Japan's Kyodo News on Friday.

Graham quoted a top North Korean official as saying that the North has extended the invitation it made to Bosworth six weeks ago. The reverend said Pyongyang viewed potential talks with Washington in a positive light.

Graham said that during his visit, he met with the North's chief delegate to the six-way talks, Kim Kye-kwan, and discussed the resumption of the multilateral framework. Graham said that although Pyongyang was decidedly opposed to the six-way talks a few months ago, it is now willing to return to the meetings and hopes to also hold direct talks with the U.S.

The pastor said he believes President Barack Obama has an opportunity to use the latest developments to make progress in the North Korean peace process.