A U.S. official says South Korea and the U.S. share a strategic goal regarding North Korea, and they are working on bridging tactical differences. 

At a webinar hosted by the Institute for Corean-American Studies on Thursday, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Japan and South Korea Mark Lambert said the allies share the goal of denuclearization but have tactical differences. 

He noted that Seoul wants Washington to move faster in providing incentives to bring Pyongyang back to the dialogue table.

Meanwhile, according to Lambert, the U.S. is concerned about giving a wrong impression to North Korea that can jeopardize the alliance or the presence of American troops in South Korea in any form.

However, while acknowledging the differences, the official added that Seoul and Washington are pursuing policies in coordination. 

Lambert also reiterated the U.S.’ willingness to talk to the North with no strings attached, explore meaningful confidence-building initiatives and support humanitarian assistance.