The U.S. has revealed details regarding Monday’s contact between top U.S. and North Korean diplomats in the wake of Kim Jong-il’s death.

Diplomatic sources say phone talks were held Monday between chief U.S. envoy to the six-party nuclear talks Clifford Hart and North Korea's Deputy Ambassador to the U.N. Han Song-ryol.

U.S. State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said Wednesday that the two nations had technical discussions on nutritional assistance to the North.

The North reportedly offered first to hold Monday’s contact. Such a move prompts speculation that Pyongyang wants the swift provision of food aid from the U.S. and is willing to implement preparatory steps for denuclearization.