South Korea says it sought understanding from neighboring countries before it made a proposal for high-level dialogue with North Korea. 

Foreign Ministry spokesman Noh Kyu-duk relayed the government’s stance in a regular media briefing Tuesday, answering a question on whether the proposal was coordinated in advance and through which channels. 

Noh also addressed the Seoul-Washington alliance’s stance on North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s New Year speech on Monday. 

Noh said the allies are closely coordinating on every issue related to North Korea to achieve the joint goal of a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the North Korean nuclear issue. He said the two sides will continue thorough coordination while monitoring the North’s recent moves, including Kim’s address. 

The spokesman also dismissed criticism that the North’s sudden friendly gesture and the South's allegedly hasty response is weakening three-way coordination on the North among South Korea, the U.S. and Japan. 

He noted that Seoul is firmly maintaining a zero-tolerance policy against the North Korean nuclear program and has continued close coordination with the international community for solving the issue diplomatically.

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