Koizumi discussed the issue with Putin on the sidelines of commemorations in Moscow of the end of World War II.

"Prime Minister Koizumi emphasised the importance of reopening the six-party talks," said the official, referring to talks involving the two Koreas, China, Russia, the United States and Japan which have been stalled for 11 months.

During a 30-minute meeting he "told the Russian president that he counts also on Russia's role in persuading North Korea" to return to the talks, said the official, who requested anonymity.

"President Putin responded that he understands well the concerns that Japan has, and said that Russia also wants to put in efforts on this issue," he added.

Asked what Moscow could do, he answered: "We believe that Russia will have its own way of doing that at their discretion."

The six-party talks halted in June last year after three inconclusive rounds.

North Korea did not show up for a fourth round due in September 2004, and declared in February that it had nuclear weapons for self-defence against what it called a hostile US policy.

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