The U.S. has reiterated its principle that dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea is possible only when Pyongyang makes good on its denuclearization promises and improves human rights conditions for North Koreans.

The U.S. State Department’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs James Zumwalt said during a trip to Tokyo that Washington is always open to sincere and reliable dialogue with Pyongyang.

However, he made it clear that the U.S. strongly wants to have dialogue with the North based on previous agreements for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Zumwalt hoped that North Korea will place top priority on the well-being of its people, saying a changed attitude will lay a foundation for good dialogue with the U.S.