Russia's top envoy to Pyongyang has met with a senior North Korean official in charge of North American affairs to discuss situations on the Korean Peninsula, Moscow's embassy in the North said Tuesday.

Russia's Ambassador Alexander Matsegora and Choe Son-hui, director-general of the North American department at North Korea's foreign ministry, exchanged frank views on the issue Monday, according to the Russian embassy's Facebook page.

They agreed to continue such mutually beneficial meetings to help find a solution to the current complex diplomatic situation, it added.
 

The meeting is seen as part of Russia's attempts to play a bigger role in resolving North Korea's nuclear standoff. The UN Security Council implemented fresh sanctions last week over Pyongyang's sixth and most powerful nuclear test on Sept. 3.

The Washington Post reported that Russia invited Choe to visit Moscow later this month in a bid to "feel out Pyongyang as to a possible resumption of dialogue" between the United States and the North.

Tensions between Washington and Pyongyang have heightened as the North has been accelerating its provocative acts in defiance of international condemnation.

The US said that all options, including a military one, are on the table, but it will seek a peaceful solution to North Korea's nuclear issue until it becomes necessary to use military force. (Yonhap)