South Korea's top nuclear envoy on Friday discussed diplomatic efforts surrounding North Korea's denuclearization with his U.S counterpart, Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun.

According to Seoul's Foreign Ministry, Noh Kyu-duk, the special representative for Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs and Biegun on Friday morning had shared their views and assessment of the recently-wrapped ruling Workers' Party congress.

The two officials also sought ways for the allies to cooperate on moving forward in achieving complete denuclearization and the establishment of a permanent peace regime on the Korean Peninsula.

Diplomacy surrounding the North's nuclear program has been deadlocked since talks between the leaders of the North and the U.S. broke down without a deal in Hanoi in February 2019.