Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon says North Korean leader Kim Jong-il's recent visit to Beijing holds positive significance to efforts underway for a peaceful resolution to the North's nuclear impasse.

Ban made the remarks during an interview with Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency Friday on his way home from a European trip.

Ban cited that during his four-day visit in China, Kim and Chinese President Hu Jintao had agreed to push forward on holding six-party talks to seek a peaceful resolution to the North's nuclear standoff.

Asked about when the next round of six-way nuclear talks might take place, Ban replied that at the present, the opening of the discussions within the month seems difficult. He said that the concerned parties are hoping to resume the talks next month, adding that Kim's visit to Beijing will provide a positive momentum to such efforts.