US open for talks with North Korea

United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that he is open to direct talks with North Korea over its nuclear program.

"President Trump expressed his openness for holding talks between the United States and North Korea at the appropriate time, under the right circumstances," The White House said in a statement detailing Trump's phone call with South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

The two leaders have stressed "the importance of continuing the maximum pressure campaign against North Korea."

"President Trump told President Moon that Vice President Mike Pence would lead the U.S. Presidential Delegation to the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics," the statement added.

Earlier today, the U.S. asked South Korea to ensure that North Korean participation in Winter Olympics does not violate the UN Security Council's sanction on Pyongyang.

In a statement, State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said, "The United States welcomes the January 9 meeting between the Republic of Korea and North Korea aimed at ensuring a safe, secure, and successful Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. The United States remains in close consultations with ROK officials, who will ensure North Korean participation in the Winter Olympics does not violate the sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council over North Korea's unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs.