The two sides discussed the planned talks, expected soon in Beijing, during a visit to Pyongyang by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Xinhua news agency reported from the North Korean capital.

"The two sides expressed the hope that the forthcoming six-party nuclear talks to be held in Beijing would unveil prospects for a peaceful settlement of the nuclear issue through dialogue," Xinhua said.

Wang, who is considered a candidate for Beijing's chief delegate to the talks, arrived in North Korea Thursday for a three-day visit.

He met Thursday with Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Yong Il, and First Vice Foreign Minister Kang Sok Ju on Friday, engaging in "comprehensive and in-depth" discussions on the nuclear issue, according to Xinhua.

The two countries also exchanged views on their "traditional and friendly" relations, Xinhua said.

China, North Korea's closest ally, has been an active mediator in the confrontation between Washington and Pyongyang. It arranged the first round of three-way talks in April involving the United States, Chinese and North Korean officials.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing will visit Japan and South Korea next week.

North Korea has said the six-way talks, involving Russia, Japan, the United States and the two Koreas would take place in Beijing, but details and timing of the talks are still being discussed.

WAR.WIRE