"Rice informed Putin about her trip to Seoul, Tokyo and Beijing. The president and the U.S. secretary of state exchanged views on North Korea and issues related to nuclear non-proliferation," the Kremlin said in a statement.

Rice flew into Moscow from Beijing at midday to meet with Putin, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov. Russia was the final leg of Rice's four-nation tour.

Last Saturday, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution imposing sanctions on the DPRK for its nuclear test on Oct. 9.

The resolution also welcomes and encourages further efforts by all states concerned to intensify their diplomatic efforts, refrain from any actions that might aggravate tension and to facilitate the early resumption of the six-party talks.