U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan says he backs international efforts aimed at seeking a peaceful solution to the North Korean nuclear standoff.

Mr. Annan made his comments during talks with visiting Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon in New York on Thursday.

Mr. Ban briefed Mr. Annan on the second round of six-nation nuclear talks that ended last week, stressing that working group talks should be held as early as possible.

Mr. Ban also invited the U.N. chief to visit Seoul. Mr. Annan said he would visit South Korea at an appropriate time.