U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Kathleen Stephens says if North Korea engages in sincere dialogue it would bring significant improvement to inter-Korean relations.

The U.S. envoy made the remarks during a recent dinner hosted by the Korea Society in New York.

Stephens said that the U.S. has steadily and clearly explained to the North Korean leadership that negotiations based on sincerity are the proper way to progress and improve its relations with the South.

The envoy also said that inter-Korean relations have incurred a difficult phase over the past two years with the North’s provocations.