North Korea’s First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye-kwan says he is optimistic about the future of the six-way nuclear talks.

Kim made the remark to reporters when he arrived in New York for talks with U.S. officials on Wednesday. He said he believes ties will improve between North Korea and the U.S. stressing that "now is the time for all countries to reconcile."

Asked if the North will allow inspections of its nuclear facilities, Kim said he will respond to the question after the talks are held.

The foreign minister is scheduled to meet with Special Representative for North Korea Policy Stephen Bosworth and new U.S. special envoy for the six-party talks, Clifford Hart, on Thursday.

The U.S. officials are expected to urge the North to suspend its uranium enrichment program and allow International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors to return to the communist state. The officials will also discuss ways to improve inter-Korean ties and normalize North Korea-U.S. relations.

Kim’s meeting with U.S. officials would mark the first time in 19 months for the two countries to hold official dialogue.