The U.S. State Department has described the U.S.-North Korea talks that were held during special envoy Stephen Bosworth’s North Korea trip as a good start.

Assistant Secretary of State Philip Crowley noted Thursday during a regular press conference that Bosworth’s talks with North Korean officials marked the first meeting between the high-level officials of the two countries in about a year.

However, Crowley was quick to add that there is much to be done to resolve North Korea’s nuclear issue, as mentioned by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Bosworth. He added that the U.S. would continue to consult with the members of the six-way nuclear talks on issues concerning Pyongyang.

Meanwhile, Clinton said Bosworth’s meeting with North Korean officials was quite positive for a preliminary meeting.

She added that it does remain to be seen whether the North will return to the six-party talks.

However, she said the bottom line is that Bosworth’s talks with North Korean officials were exploratory talks, not negotiations.