Talks were set to begin Monday between US and North Korean diplomats about restarting negotiations on Pyongyang's nuclear programs.
The two days of discussions planned at the countries' UN missions in Geneva represent the second direct encounter between the two sides within three months.
The United States wants North Korea to adhere to a 2005 agreement it reneged on requiring verifiable denuclearization in exchange for better relations with its Asian neighbors.
North Korea is calling for immediate resumption of six-nation disarmament-for-aid talks.
Other topics could also include food aid to the chronically impoverished North, reuniting separated families on the Korean peninsula, and recovering remains of troops missing in action.
AP