Washington is ready to resume talks with Pyongyang, AP reported referring to US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun.

“When Chairman Kim appoints a counterpart to me who is prepared and empowered to negotiate on these issues, they will find us ready at that very moment,” Biegun told reporters following meetings with South Korean officials in Seoul.

Biegun also met with South Korean FM Kang Kyung-wha and is expected to have discussions with South Korean presidential officials before departing for Japan.