"Obviously, we understand their need for security but their security, for as long as they have nuclear programs, will be less than if they abandon these programs," Downer said.

Downer was speaking after what he referred to as a "useful" half hour of talks with North Korea's Paek Nam-sun on the sidelines of a regional security meeting.

The meeting between the two foreign ministers took place as six-nation talks on North Korea's nuclear program entered a third day in Beijing.

Chung Song-il, a North Korean spokesman, said Paek had "clearly illustrated" the position of his country during the talks with Downer.

"The DPRK minister clearly pointed out the position of DPRK with regards to the resolution of the nuclear issue," he said, referring to North Korea by the abbreviation of its official name, the Democratic People's Republic or Korea.

"The Australian foreign minister said it is the consistent policy of Australia to support the process of the peaceful resolution of the nuclear issue," he said.

Paek is scheduled to meet his South Korean counterpart Ban Ki-moon later Thursday.

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