The International Atomic Energy Agency has welcomed the joint agreement reached last month in the six-way nuclear talks.

A resolution adopted by the IAEA at its annual general assembly on Friday cited the statement's positive progress by taking a first step towards a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.

The resolution, however, did not mention a light-water reactor that China wanted to include but was opposed by the United States.

The U.N. nuclear watchdog urged North Korea's "full and effective implementation" of the accord with comprehensive safeguards, citing Pyongyang's past violations.

The North last month agreed to give up its nuclear program in return for political and economic incentives from South Korea, the United States, China, Russia and Japan.