South Korean Foreign Minister Song Min-soon said Wednesday that the primary goal at next week's six-party talks on Pyongyang's nuclear issue is to bring out an agreement on the early steps for implementing the joint statement adopted on Sept. 19 last year.

It is important to enter the early stage of implementing the Sept. 19 joint statement, as it is surely in the interest of North Korea, Song said at his first press briefing as South Korean foreign minister on Wednesday.

"Other countries concerned will be able to take active and resilient corresponding measures," he added.

Under the Sept. 19 joint statement, Pyongyang promised to abandon its nuclear program in exchange for security guarantees and economic aid from its dialogue partners.

However, Song refused to explain what measures will be taken.

"South Korea will play a constructive role for progress in the talks through smooth communication with the North Korea, as well as close consultations with the US and other parties concerned," Song said.

(Xinhua News Agency December 14, 2006)