Korean talks depend on resolving North's nuclear programme, U.S. says

FILE PHOTO - People walk past a street monitor showing North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un in a news report about North Korea's nuclear test, in Tokyo, Japan, September 3, 2017. REUTERS/Toru Hanai

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Improved relations between South and North Korea hinge on resolving Pyongyang's nuclear programme, the U.S. State Department said on Sunday after North Korea said it was open to talks with the United States.

"We are in close contact with the Republic of Korea about our unified response to North Korea. As President Moon stated, 'the improvement of relations between North and South Korea cannot advance separately from resolving North Korea’s nuclear programme,'" a State Department spokesman said.