NHK WORLD, 25 Feb. 2018— A high-level North Korean delegation to South Korea says that the country is fully ready to talk with the United States.

The delegation made the comment during one-hour talks with South Korean President Moon Jae-in ahead of the closing ceremony of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.

The 8-member delegation is headed by Kim Yong Chol, the vice chairman of the ruling Workers’ Party. He currently directs inter-Korean affairs.

The delegation began their 3-day visit to South Korea on Sunday and travelled to Pyeongchang from Seoul by rail to meet Moon.

The South Korean presidential office says Moon told the delegation that inter-Korean relations should be developed and expanded. The North-side told Moon that their leader Kim Jong Un shares that commitment.

Moon went on to say that improvement in relations between the 2 Koreas and fundamental resolution of issues on the Korean Peninsula requires early dialogue between Pyongyang and Washington.

The North Korean delegation said they are fully ready, adding that inter-Korean ties and relations with Washington should develop in tandem.

North Korea also sent a high-level delegation to the opening ceremony for the Games. The members included Kim Yo Jong, the sister of the North Korean leader. The delegation proposed holding an inter-Korean summit in the North Korean capital, Pyongyang.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was reportedly briefed on the visit to the South. He is also said to have asked for practical steps to be taken to improve ties between the 2 Koreas.