Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi expressed support Sunday for a proposal by the United States to give North Korea written assurance that the U.S. will not invade the country, ministry officials said.

The proposal would be part of an effort to persuade North Korea to give up its nuclear program.

"It is important to seek a way toward a peaceful resolution (to the North Korea issue) among Japan, South Korea and the U.S.," Kawaguchi was quoted as saying during a meeting with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly.