Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan says South Korea is open to engaging in dialogue with North Korea as long as the North acknowledges that the nuclear issue must be discussed.

Kim made the comment to reporters Wednesday, adding that Seoul will maintain its two-track approach of dialogue and punitive sanctions in regards to North Korea.

He emphasized that any changes to Seoul’s approach depend on the North’s future actions.

Kim said that the six-party talks for the dismantlement of the North Korean nuclear program will continue to be pursued, adding that Seoul hopes Pyongyang will engage in denuclearization soon.