Preliminary inter-Korean talks are yielding a measure of progress, with Pyongyang signaling its intent to take part in the upcoming Winter Games. Ahead of face-to-face talks in the de-militarized-zone, U.S. President Trump said Saturday he would be willing to speak directly with Kim Jong Un, voicing hope that the rare talks between the DPRK and South Korea, could help de-escalate the crisis over Pyongyang's nuclear drive. CGTN's Toby Muse has more.

TOBY MUSE WASHINGTON U.S. "President Donald Trump said he is ready to talk with the DPRK leader after the news that the Republic of Korea and the DPRK will meet next week."

Asked by a reporter whether he would engage in a phone conversation with Kim Jong Un, here is what he said.

DONALD TRUMP US PRESIDENT "Sure, I always believe in talking."

President Donald Trump claimed the talks are a result of his tough policy on the DPRK. He also expressed hopes that the talks could lead to a possible breakthrough in a recent standoff over Pyongyang's nuclear program.

DONALD TRUMP US PRESIDENT "He knows I'm not messing around, I'm not messing around, not even a little bit, not even one percent, he understands that. At the same time, if we can come up with a very peaceful and very good solution, if something can happen and something can come out of those talks, that will be a great thing for all of humanity."

TOBY MUSE WASHINGTON "The talks come in the middle of a nuclear showdown between the DPRK and the US. Tensions have escalated over recent months over DPRK's testing of nuclear warheads. Yet, the meeting and news that South Korea and the US will suspend their planned military exercises during the winter games has provided the first glimpse of a possible easing of tensions.

The DPRK International Olympic Committee representative told Japanese media his country was likely to compete in February's games. A pair of figure skaters are the only athletes from the DPRK who have qualified. The same representative, however, didn't rule out the possibility of more athletes participating in the games. Toby Muse, CGTN, Washington."