Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan says he is waiting to hear North Korea’s position on the resumption of the stalled U.S.-North Korea talks following the recent death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.

Minister Kim said during a press conference Thursday that South Korean President Lee Myung-bak also made it clear in his new year’s address that he is leaving a window of opportunity open for Pyongyang.

When asked whether he recognizes Kim Jong-un as a negotiating partner, Minister Kim responded that he will engage in talks with anybody who is in a legitimate decision making position.

The Foreign Minister added, however, that since Kim Jong-un’s political position has not yet been clarified, he will take a wait-and-see approach.

Regarding the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit to be held in March, Minister Kim said that President Lee mentioned the necessity of inviting North Korea’s leader to the meeting so that the regime keeps the promises it made with the international community. He said North Korea is welcome to the summit, as long as it keeps its promises.