The government and the United States on Tuesday held their second meeting on making tangible progress in the fourth round of the six-party nuclear talks in Beijing.

A South Korean delegate said the two sides evaluated their meetings so far in the Chinese capital and discussed additional steps.

With the two sides pushing for "final goals" in the nuclear talks, they said they will focus on getting North Korea to commit to an agreement and integrate Seoul’s energy aid proposal and Pyongyang’s demand for a security guarantee.

Six chief negotiators held a separate meeting on the talks' format before the fourth round began.

Washington and four other parties want to extend the talks, but Seoul seeks a maximum period of one month in addition to a recess.