United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon says he will weigh the agenda and likelihood of holding successful discussions with North Korea and decide on a suitable time to visit.

Ban said at a debate hosted by the Korea Broadcasting Journalists Club that he faces no obstacles in traveling to North Korea, as the North’s stance is that he can visit at any time.

When asked about his position on an inter-Korean summit, Ban said in principle, meetings between the leaders of nations should be decided on by the relevant nations. However, he said summits are absolutely necessary and are the most effective tool.

Ban also said that North’s food shortage has resulted in six-point-one million malnourished North Koreans. He asked the South Korean government to positively review humanitarian aid.