Rice, speaking with reporters following an informal meeting among ministers from the two Koreas, Russia, the United States and Japan, said every nation affirmed past agreements and agreed all obligations must be met to move the process forward.

Rice said the talks centered on the need for a "verification protocol" to guarantee North Korea is dismantling its nuclear program.

"The atmosphere was very good," said Rice, who added she shook the hand of the North Korean representative twice.

She said a more formal meeting is scheduled but no date has yet been set.