The six-party talks are an indispensable process in the peaceful resolution of the Korean nuclear issue through diplomatic means,a Japanese delegate to the Beijing six-party talks said here Friday."urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"/>

The official,who declined to give his name,spoke at a news briefing held by the Japanese delegation after the conclusion of the talks.

He said during the two and half-day talks,the parties agreed on the importance of seeking a peaceful resolution of the Korean nuclear issue.They also agreed on the importance of a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula,and the need to address the security concerns of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The parties agreed not to take any actions that will escalate the situation as long as talks proceed,he said.

The official said Japanese and DPRK delegations met during the Beijing six-party talks,and agreed to solve their bilateral issues on the basis of the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration.

He noted that the contacts between Japan and DPRK were "informal"but "useful"in understanding each other's positions.

The Japanese official described the six-party talks as "useful"and "meaningful",saying that they provided an important base for the peaceful resolution of the Korean nuclear issue through dialogue.

He said Japan hopes the next round of six-party talks will be held "as soon as possible".