In an exclusive interview with AFP, Rice said North Korea has "been cooperative" in disabling its plutonium program, but still had to issue a full declaration on its activities by December 31 and then start dismantlement of nuclear facilities.

"We'd like very much to move forward to that (dismantling) phase because that's where the real beginnings of political engagement and ultimately normalization would be anticipated," she said.

When asked if it were "conceivable" for her to visit North Korea as secretary of state, Rice replied: "That would be a little premature to speculate on that but, you know, nothing is inconceivable."

She added: "But we'd have to be quite a bit further along than we are now."