The United States says it would consider normalizing ties with North Korea if the North works to improve its relations with South Korea.

Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell made the remark during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Tuesday.

Campbell said if the North improves relations with South Korea and demonstrates a change in behavior, including taking irreversible steps to denuclearize, complying with international law, and ceasing provocative behavior, the United States will stand ready to move toward normalization of its relationship with Pyongyang.

He added that although the U.S. remains committed to meaningful dialogue, Washington will not reward North Korea for shattering the peace or defying the international community.

Campbell also said that the United States supports direct talks between the two Koreas, adding that Washington believes that South-North dialogue is an important initial step toward the resumption of the six-party talks.