Inter-Korean dialogue and U.S.-South Korea joint military drills “can never be compatible” and must be stopped, North Korean media claimed in editorials on Friday, calling for Seoul to stop the exercises to continue talks.

In an op-ed, the North’s DPRK Today praised high-level inter-Korean talks on Tuesday, citing Pyongyang’s “leading and active measures and efforts” in achieving renewed dialogue.

“The entire fellow countrymen are looking forward that the path for improving relations will be opened,” the outlet said.

To live up to these hopes, the media said it is “crucial” for the two Koreas to “ease sharp military tensions.”

“The