U.S. President George W. Bush and Chinese President Hu Jintao have agreed that North Korean leader Kim Jong-il must implement Pyongyang's agreement to scrap its nuclear program.

Mr. Bush in a phone conversation Thursday praised Beijing's role in helping conclude the agreement, saying it's time that the North Korean leader keep the agreement to improve the lives of his people.

Chinese President Hu said the agreement is the result of joint efforts and that its implementation not only affects peace on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia, but is also in the interest of all parties to the six-way talks.