"The leaders expressed their strong support for the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula through a peaceful solution and the six-party talks process, and urged the earliest resumption of talks," a joint statement said at the conclusion of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) here.

"They encouraged the parties to continue to take coordinated steps to address the nuclear issue and address all related concerns," it said.

Since the issue erupted in October 2002, three rounds of six-party talks, which include the United States, the two Koreas, Japan, Russia and China, have proved inconclusive.

The crisis began when Washington accused Pyongyang of operating an enriched uranium program in violation of a 1994 nuclear freeze accord.

North Korean troops backed by Chinese forces fought against South Korean and US-led UN forces during the 1950-1953 Korean War that ended in stalemate.

US troops have since been stationed in South Korea under a mutual defense pact.

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