They also shared the view that resumption of the nuclear negotiations is essential in making progress toward complete denuclearization and permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula, and they agreed to work toward achieving these goals.

Luo, who was elevated to his post handling Asia affairs in May, is expected to double as Beijing's chief envoy on the North Korean nuclear issue. He accompanied Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi when he paid a visit to Pyongyang early this month. 

Lee's trip came after North Korea expressed a willingness to hold the first nuclear negotiations with the US later this month since February's summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un broke down without a deal.

Lee also plans to visit Washington next week for talks with US nuclear envoy Stephen Biegun. (Yonhap)