The Democratic People's Republic of Korean's number two nuclear negotiator, Ri Gun, is in the US for the Northeast Asia Cooperation Dialogue. The forum brings together foreign ministry, defense officials and academics from China, Russia, the DPRK, South Korea, Japan and the US to discuss regional security issues.

Ri Gun, director general of the North American affairs bureau of North Korea's Foreign Ministry (C), and U.S. principal deputy assistant secretary of defense Derek Mitchell (L) are greeted by the Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation (IGCC) director Susan Shirk as they arrive for an informal dinner at the University of California in San Diego October 25, 2009.  [Mike Blake/REUTERS]

Ri Gun arrived at the University of California on Sunday, with US principal deputy assistant secretary of defense Derek J. Mitchell. But he gave no details on the outcome of his US trip. Analysts say Ri's trip may help set the stage for a resumption of formal nuclear talks. After pulling out of the six-party talks in April, the DPRK called for direct talks with Washington earlier this month.

The White House views the request with caution. It insists any bilateral contact with Pyongyang should result in the rapid resumption of the stalled six-party negotiations.