"Through the meeting, I have high expectations of having extensive conversations and creating a consensus on ways to peacefully resolve the North's nuclear issue and stably manage the situation," Lee told reporters.

Earlier in the day, the two countries announced they would work to bring their exchanges and cooperation back on track following a prolonged feud over a US missile defense system deployed in South Korea.

They will meet for the first time since their respective appointments earlier this year. Lee held a trilateral meeting with his US and Japanese counterparts in Seoul in mid-October.

Tensions have been high following the North's provocations, including its sixth and most powerful nuclear detonation early last month, though it has not carried out any major weapons tests in recent weeks. (Yonhap)