The U.S. government views the resumption of inter-Korean talks as distinct from the prospects for dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang, an official said Monday.

The statement was apparently intended to caution the international community against excessive expectations that the U.S. may soon respond to North Korea's peace overtures following months of warlike threats.

"Well, that's a slightly separate issue," State Department spokeswoman Jennifer Psaki said at a press briefing.

 In Korea, the South and the North agreed to hold a ministerial level dialogue in Seoul later this week, their first high-profile talks in six years. They are expected to discuss the future of a joint industrial park in Kaesong and tours to Mount Kumgang, both of which are suspended.

Psaki reiterated her department welcomes such inter-Korean talks.

"We support and have always supported improved inter-Korean relations and will continue our close coordination with our allies and partners in the region and, of course, monitor this closely," she said.

She also said Washington remains open to "improved relations" with North Korea if it willing to take clear action to abide by its international obligations and commitments.

"And we continue to seek credible and authentic negotiations that lead to concrete steps towards denuclearization and that result in an enduring reduction in tensions on the Korean peninsula," Psaki said.

The U.S. is encouraged by China's clear expression of backing for its efforts to dismantle North Korea's nuclear program.

In a California meeting between their leaders, Barack Obama and Xi Jinping, the two sides agreed not to accept a North Korean nuclear arsenal.

Meanwhile, South Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kyou-hyun, met here with Deputy Secretary of State William Burns for what the spokeswoman described as part of routine consultations between the allies.

"They discussed a range of bilateral, regional and global security issues," Psaki said. "This is a part of our ongoing consultations with South Korea." (Yonhap News)