REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SEOUL -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Tuesday the improvement of inter-Korean relations was linked to resolving North Korea's nuclear programme, a day after the North offered talks with Seoul but was steadfast on its nuclear ambitions.

"The improvement of relations between North and South Korea cannot go separately with resolving North Korea's nuclear programme, so the foreign ministry should coordinate closely with allies and the international community regarding this," Moon said in opening remarks at a cabinet meeting.

Moon's comments contrasted with those of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who said on Monday that Seoul should stop asking foreign countries for help in improving ties between the two Koreas.

"This shows the Moon administration is looking at the situation from a very realistic, rational point of view," said Jeong Yeung-tae, head of the Institute of North Korea Studies in Seoul. "It also shows resolving North Korea's nuclear issue has a bigger priority (than improving inter-Korean relations)."