Below are some questions and answers on what North Korea stands to gain in the talks with China, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the United States, which come in the closing weeks of US President George W. Bush's final term.
* What's on the agenda? The six parties will seek a deal on how to inspect and verify the North's declaration about its nuclear programme and its steps in disabling the Soviet-era Yongbyon nuclear complex, which has produced enough arms-grade plutonium for six to eight bombs.
The discussions will allow South Korea, Japan, Russia and China to approve formally the agreement reached between the North and the United States in October on verification, under which inspectors will have access to all declared nuclear sites.
The most recent snag for the often-delayed nuclear dealings has been the North's reluctance to allow international inspectors to take nuclear samples out of the country for testing.
Formally, the talks are also meant to begin discussions on the next phase - steps on permanently dismantling the North's nuclear programme in return for more economic incentives.
* Why now? North Korea feels it may be able to win concessions from the Bush team as it seeks a rare diplomatic achievement to help bolster its legacy.
Failing that, the North will wait until President-elect Barack Obama takes office in January, feeling it will have the upper hand when a new, and perhaps inexperienced team takes over.
* What does North Korea stand to gain? Cash-starved and energy-short North Korea needs the 1 million tonnes heavy fuel oil - or aid of equal value - and other incentives promised to it as a part of the disarmament-for-aid deal to support its staggering economy.
The North is even more dependent on this aid, about half of which has already been delivered, after having ended cooperation with South Korea, once one of its major benefactors.
North Korea is used to hardship but analysts do not think it will allow the nuclear talks to break down because it can ill afford to lose out on the aid.
Analysts and some officials have said the North will probably seek additional rewards for any inspection of its nuclear facilities that it considers intrusive.
If talks about future steps drag on, the North can hold off on disarmament steps and retain negotiating leverage.
* What's the ultimate goal? The final goal of the broad accord reached in September 2005 is for the North to dismantle all its nuclear programmes and weapons and receive energy aid in return.
The deal also envisions a peace accord to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War and Pyongyang establishing diplomatic relations with Washington and Tokyo. -- REUTERS