France is very much concerned about the possibility of North Korea conducting its fourth nuclear test, the visiting speaker of the French Senate was quoted as saying Thursday.

Sen. Jean-Pierre Bel made the remark during a meeting with South Korean President Park Geun-hye after Park said it is a serious matter for North Korea to threaten a nuclear test and show signs of actual preparations, according to a statement from Park's office.

Bel also said the entire international community is concerned about the situation.

The senator, who arrived in Seoul earlier in the day at the invitation of National Assembly Speaker Kang Chang-hee, also expressed sympathy and condolences over the massive loss of lives in the sinking of the ferry Sewol, according to the presidential office. (Yonhap)