Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il in hopes of restarting six-nation talks on the country's nuclear program.

Monday's meeting, in the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, came as negotiators from the U.S. and North Korea met in Geneva for a second round of direct discussions aimed at reviving long-stalled nuclear disarmament negotiations.

No details were released on Li's talks with Mr. Kim and Kim Yong Nam, the head of the country's parliament.

A report by China's official Xinhua news agency said that on Sunday Li told North Korean Premier Choe Yong Rim that improving ties with the U.S. and South Korea would promote stability in the region.

Li arrived in the country Sunday on an official goodwill visit that is scheduled to last until Tuesday. From there, he travels to South Korea for a two-day trip.