South Korea’s ambassador to the United States said Seoul and Washington will maintain readiness postures “around the clock” in anticipation of provocations from North Korea.

Ambassador Cho Hyun-dong made the remarks Tuesday during a meeting with reporters in Washington, pointing to the possibility that North Korea could engage in serious provocations as the U.S. prepares for a change of leadership.

The ambassador added that North Korea’s recent activities were concerning, referring to the disclosure of images of a uranium enrichment facility and a new, larger transporter erector launcher vehicle. 

Commenting on the U.S. presidential election, Cho said he expects the neck-and-neck race between the two leading candidates to continue for a while unless unexpected variables arise. 

The top diplomat said he traveled to Michigan, Arizona and Texas from September 8 to 14 with Philip Goldberg, the U.S. ambassador to South Korea, adding that consultations between the two nations are underway to ensure that high-level discussions continue around the time of the U.S. presidential election. 

Cho said as part of the efforts, the government will continue its efforts to arrange a trilateral summit for South Korea, the U.S. and Japan within the year.