She also expressed regret that the world's attention was almost entirely on its nuclear and rocket programmes.

BBC: UN rights chief urges probe into 'deplorable' N Korea

The UN resolution, passed on Tuesday, expanded existing sanctions against Pyongyang that were imposed after its previous nuclear tests and rocket launches.

BBC: North Korea warns South over UN sanctions

Washington, Tokyo, Seoul and others consider both the rocket launch and the nuclear test provocative acts that threaten regional security.

NPR: Dennis Rodman Worms His Way Into North Korea

If Russians could get a rocket ship into space, and lead on nuclear weaponry, what else could their scientists pull off?

FORBES: Russia's High Tech Promise

They also noted the deployment of Russia's most advanced S-400 air defence system in Belarus and a parallel drill conducted by the Strategic Rocket Forces, the guardians of the Kremlin's nuclear arsenal.

ECONOMIST: NATO and Russia

Obama said he and Abe were united in their "determination to take strong actions" in response to North Korea's nuclear test this month, which followed a successful long-range rocket launch last month.

NPR: PM Says 'Japan's Back,' Vows Stronger Ties With US