"We are ready, as previously, to help find a peaceful resolution of the nuclear problem on the Korean Peninsula," Vladimir Putin told the new North Korean ambassador, who presented his credentials to the president.
Russia is party to the six-nation talks, which also involve North and South Korea, China, Japan, and the United States, aimed at persuading Pyongyang to give up its nuclear ambitions.
The talks were launched in 2003. In September 2005, North Korea signed a "joint statement" committing itself to abandoning its nuclear program in exchange for aid and security guarantees.
But the reclusive communist state boycotted the talks two months later following Washington's demand that its accounts at a Macau-based bank be frozen for alleged money laundering and counterfeiting of U.S. dollars. Since then, North Korea has conducted its first nuclear test and tested ballistic missiles.
The talks resumed last December following a 13-month standoff, but ended without result. At a symbolic ceremony, the six participant delegations made a joint statement reiterating their commitment to further negotiations in the same format.
Putin earlier said that diplomacy should be the only means the international community uses to dissuade North Korea from conducting further nuclear tests.
"The situation should never lead to a deadlock," he said. "None of the negotiating parties should be driven into a corner, with no way out except by escalating tensions."
