Japan's Ambassador to the United Nations has expressed hope that North Korea will listen to the messages presented by the Security Council debate on the country's human rights situation.

Ishikane Kimihiro spoke to reporters on Thursday after the open debate -- the council's first such discussions on the issue in about six years.

Ishikane said discussing human rights in North Korea was meaningful at a time when the situation is deteriorating. He stressed the significance of questioning Pyongyang's stance of pushing forward nuclear development instead of using its precious resources for the needy.

The ambassador said he strongly expects that Pyongyang will become serious in having talks to solve issues such as abduction as well as its nuclear weapons and missile programs.