Kenneth Bae, one of the two newly released American detainees who spent two years in a North Korean labor camp, said on Sunday upon arrival in the U.S. that he harbors no hatred for the communist country ruled by strongman Kim Jong Un.

Terrie Chung, his sister said, quoted by NBC, that Bae "still has a tremendous heart for North Korea ... He has only the best wishes and intentions for that country."

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Bae, 46, and his fellow detainee, Matthew Todd Miller, 25, arrived at 9 p.m. on Sunday at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord, a U.S. air force facility in Washington state. U.S. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper facilitated their release in a rare visit by a major U.S. official to North Korea by meeting with the country's officials, but not Kim.

Ahead of the duo's release, U.S. President Barack Obama thanked Clapper for his role in setting the two Americans free, which Obama considers a challenging task.

"I think it's a wonderful thing for the men and their families," NBC quoted Obama as saying, "and obviously we're very grateful for their safe return."

Bae was arrested in November 2012 and meted 15 years hard labor "for unspecified hostile act." He was a missionary and tour guide in North Korea.

Miller entered in April 2013 using a tourist visa. After he tore the visa and sought asylum, he was arrested and given a six-year prison term.

Chung said Bae ate pizza upon arriving home. She said there would be a big family gathering on Thanksgiving to celebrate his release and return home.

Prior to the release of the pair, North Korea set free American tourist Jeffery Fowle in October. He was arrested in May for leaving a Bible at the hotel where he was billeted.

Another former American detainee in North Korea, American journalist Laura Ling, who was freed in 2009, opined that the release of Bae and Miller could help improve diplomatic relations between Washington and Pyongyang.

"I hope their release is a signal of a potential opening between our two countries and that despite our stark differences we may find a common humanity," Ling told NBC.

TagsUS-North Korea, North Korea captives, Kenneth Bae, Matthew Todd Miller, James Clapper