The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) agreed to return to the Six-Party Talks, a positive sign Chinese experts said helps ease months of tension on the Korean Peninsula despite uncertainties.

Wrapping up his three-day tour to Pyongyang, US envoy Stephen Bosworth said in Seoul yesterday: "There was a common understanding between the DPRK and us on the need to implement the (2005) joint statement and resume Six-Party Talks", which the DPRK quit in April.

The US envoy termed his visit "very useful" and said the two sides exchanged views "in a candid and business-like fashion". But Pyongyang did not announce a timetable on the return.