The two Koreas are discussing issues related to ending hostilities between North Korea and the US, and possible negotiations for a peace treaty, a high-level Cheong Wa Dae official revealed Sunday.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the official told reporters that the two Koreas agree on the importance of such issues in relation to the US-North Korea summit and they are being discussed at the working level.

“Working-level discussions on issues such as again promising mutual nonaggression (between Pyongyang and Washington), and opening negotiations to replace the armistice with a peace treaty or a declaration of the end of war among South, North and the US are underway,” the official said. 

The official stressed that the working-level talks are focused on analyzing the possibility of such developments, and that nothing has been decided on seeking a three-way summit among the three countries.

The official also stressed that US President Donald Trump has expressed willingness to offer large-scale economic cooperation with the North on a number of occasions. He added that the US leader has made a number of other related comments, but declined to elaborate.

Regarding the process of arranging Saturday’s inter-Korean summit, the official said that communication on the matter was conducted through a channel between the South’s National Intelligence Service Director Suh Hoon, and Kim Yong-chol, vice chairman of the central committee of North Korea’s Workers’ Party.

He said that the North suggested the meeting between President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during discussions on improving inter-Korean relations and preparations for the North Korea-US summit on Friday.

The official also rejected speculation that Seoul-Washington communication may be faltering, stressing that the two sides are cooperating closely.

“As closes allies, (Seoul and Washington) share detailed information on inter-Korean issues, and ahead of the North Korea-US summit,” he said, adding that the national security councils of the two countries continue to communicate on an almost daily basis.

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)