United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is hoping that North Korea’s nuclear issue will be discussed at the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit scheduled for later this month.

In an interview with Yonhap News Tuesday at the UN headquarters in New York, the UN chief said that although the North Korean nuclear problem is not on the official agenda for the Seoul summit, he expects that it is possible for the international gathering to discuss it since the talks are being held in South Korea.

Ban was doubtful that the North would attend the summit, noting the country’s instable internal situation and negative responses to the South Korean government’s invitation.

He added that the hosting of the nuclear security summit is a testament to the fact that South Korea’s status has been recognized in the international security sector. The UN chief said he believes that a successful summit will boost South Korea’s national brand on the international stage.