By Jung Joo-ri and Lee Jihae   

President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump on May 7 discussed over the phone how to maintain dialogue with North Korea and resume denuclearization talks as early as possible.

Cheong Wa Dae Spokesperson Ko Min-jung said in a written statement that both leaders on May 4 held a phone chat. President Moon briefed Trump on Seoul's position on Pyeongyang's recent launches of short-range projectiles, including tactical guided weapons.

The two presidents agreed that they closely cooperated and responded "appropriately and very effectively" to the North's tests.

"President Trump's Twitter messages will play a decisive role in leading North Korea toward a positive direction," President Moon said.

Both sides also exchanged views on the joint report of the World Food Program and Food and Agriculture Organization on the North's food shortages.

Trump said, "South Korea’s provision of food to North Korea in a humanitarian move will be very timely and a positive step," expressing support for Seoul's efforts to that end.

The two leaders also agreed on close consultations to arrange Trump's visit to South Korea as soon as possible. Their 21st round of phone talks came 68 days after the Feb. 28 summit between the U.S. and the North in Hanoi, Vietnam.

etoilejr@korea.kr