(VOVworld) US and North Korea envoys reopened nuclear talks on Thursday in Beijing, seeking ways for Pyongyang to dismantle its nuclear programs in return for much-needed aid. The first diplomatic talks between the two sides since the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il last December are not expected to produce any breakthrough, but could to improve bilateral ties and revive the stalled 6-party talks.  

US chief negotiator Glyn Davies arrives in Beijing (Photo: Reuters)

The US and North Korea were on the verge of a deal to have Washington provide food if Pyongyang suspends its uranium enrichment program under IAEA verification and supervision. It is hoped the talks will restart the six-nation disarmament negotiations that also involve China, Japan, Russia and South Korea. Observers say that the agenda is not new and the outcomes seem predictable to both parties. But analysts believe the value of this meeting lies in maintaining a dialogue which will help to clarify the positions of all involved countries after the handover of power in North Korea. US chief negotiator, Glyn Davies said upon his arrival in Beijing on Wednesday that the US wants to see if North Korea is ready to fulfill obligations made in a joint statement in September, 2005, which committed North Korea to abandoning its nuclear program in exchange for aid. Meanwhile, Pyongyang aims to find out if the US is serious about improving ties with Kim Jong-un’s leadership.

Other countries in Northeast Asia are following the talks to see how likely it is that the 6-party talks will resume. On the eve of the meeting, Liu Weimin, spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Beijing hopes the events will restart the 6-party talks, which were suspended in April, 2009. South Korea said that the meeting is much anticipated because it will create an opportunity to resume negotiations suspended after the death of President Kim Jong-il. Japan also voiced support for the talks.  

Hong Van