A top North Korean official said Monday that his country will put an end to hostile relations with the U.S. through dialogue and negotiations.

The remark was made by Kim Yong-nam, Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly and second in the hierarchy in North Korea.

According to North Korea’s official Korea Central News Agency on Monday, Kim said in a statement to mark the 68th birthday of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il that the North will pursue better relations with other nations.

In regards to inter-Korean relations, Kim said his country will continue to work to improve inter-Korean ties and achieve national unification based on the June 15th Joint Declaration and the October Fourth Summit Declaration.