Australia talks missiles with N Korea

North Korea's missile program is a key reason the U.S. is proposing a shield defense system

CANBERRA, Australia -- Australia will press North Korea over its suspected nuclear arms program and alleged human rights abuses during talks with Foreign Minister Paek Nam-sun Thursday.

Paek's three-day visit to Australia reciprocates a trip to Pyongyang last November by Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, after the two countries began talking in 1999 about restoring diplomatic relations.

"I will raise bilateral issues and regional security concerns, including measures to prevent nuclear and missile proliferation and other arms control objectives," Downer said in a statement.

MESSAGE BOARD Discuss issues of North Korea and South Korea

However, Downer will have the difficult job of explaining to Paek why Australia is one of a handful of nations supporting the U.S. missile shield proposal -- a strategy which many argue increases rather than decreases the nuclear attack threat .

Australia has already angered North Korea's key ally, China, with its support for the U.S. plan.

Suggestions Australia's desert-based Pine Gap satellite-tracking facility may be used as part of the shield defense system have added to the tension.

Canberra and Pyongyang resumed official ties in May last year.

"Mr Paek's visit comes at an important juncture in the continuing international efforts to bring lasting peace and security to the Korean Peninsula," Downer said, adding that the U.S. had also re-started a dialogue with the North.

Humanitarian issues to be discussed

Australia believes bringing North Korea back into the international community will dramatically reduce security concerns in East Asia.

Paek will mee Downer, as well as Australia's trade, agriculture and industry ministers during talks Thursday evening.

"I will raise bilateral issues and regional security concerns, including measures to prevent nuclear and missile proliferation and other arms control objectives," Downer said in a statement.

"In addition, I will express Australian support for international efforts to meet the pressing humanitarian problems facing North Korea."

North Korea produces just 60 percent to 70 percent of its food needs and drought and famine continue to ravage the country. It's a major recipient of international food aid.

An official from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the visit comes as North Korea appears to be showing a real willingness to re-engage with the international community.

International weapons agreements

It also follows a decision by U.S. President George W. Bush to continue with the previous administration's policy of engagement with North Korea, one of several countries labeled by Washington as "states of concern" because of the perceived threat of nuclear proliferation and even nuclear attack.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said Australia was keen to get North Korea talking to the United States again about nuclear arms containment.

Australia also wants North Korea to sign up to a range of international agreements in areas such as nuclear nonproliferation, and chemical and biological weapons.

"All these things we think are things they should be looking at as they seek to engage in a responsible manner with the neighborhood," the official said.

With diplomatic relations between Canberra now "fully restored," officials expect Paek to suggest an exchange of ambassadors, a move Australia is likely to welcome.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.