The five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, along with Japan and South Korea, have reportedly come closer to a resolution condemning North Korea for its latest nuclear test and missile launches.

A high-ranking U.N. official said Thursday (local time) that the seven countries narrowed a number of differences during their sixth meeting. But he added that some issues will require more discussions.

The U.N. official said the representatives of the seven countries will meet again on Friday after reporting the results of the sixth meeting to their governments and receiving directives.

His remarks suggest the representatives could reach a final agreement if their governments approve of the current form of the draft resolution.

The members of the meeting have discussed imposing penalties against the North, including the inspections of North Korean ships suspected of carrying weapons of mass destruction and a freeze of North Korea's assets overseas.