US Vice President Mike Pence has stated that even though Washington will continue to pressure North Korea, it is ready to negotiate with Pyongyang, reported RIA Novosti news agency of Russia.

“So the maximum pressure campaign is going to continue and intensify,” Pence told The Washington Post. “But if you [North Korea] want to talk, we’ll talk.”

The US vice president was asked what exact steps Pyongyang would have to take to get real sanctions relief. “I don’t know,” he responded. “That’s why you have to have talks.”

According to the official US position, North Korea must give up its nuclear and missile programs, only after which Washington will agree to conduct talks.