N. Korea signals openness to dialogue if talks serve its interests: unification minister

North Korea has indicated it is open to dialogue with the United States if such discussions align with its interests, according to the country's Unification Minister Chung Dong-young. This statement came the day after the sister of North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un suggested that talks with Washington could still be a potential avenue for peace.

During a parliamentary interpellation session, Chung expressed this perspective while Seoul works towards resuming diplomatic relations with Pyongyang to alleviate cross-border tensions and enhance inter-Korean relations.

Chung emphasized that North Korea is signaling the possibility of dialogue remaining open, provided that the discussions serve its interests. Yesterday, the North had directly stated that it recognizes the necessity of dialogue for achieving peace. The minister pointed out that North Korea has clearly outlined a precondition for engaging in dialogue: the correction or revision of hostile policies towards it, including sanctions pressure, military drills, and human rights concerns.

Moreover, North Korea has been calling for respect and consideration from South Korea if Seoul wishes to see a change in inter-Korean relations.

Chung reiterated the same sentiment, stating, "I want to say exactly the same thing." This signal from North Korea indicates a potential willingness to engage in dialogue, contingent upon the resolution of certain issues that North Korea deems as hostile policies.