World leaders welcome North Korea's decision

The European Union (EU) has described the decision by North Korea to discontinue further nuclear tests as a positive move, but says there should be complete denuclearisation.

"It is a long sought-after step that should lead to verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation," EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, was quoted as saying.

United States President Donald Trump and his counterparts in the United Kingdom and South Korea have also welcomed the announcement by North Korea.

North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un announced that, starting today, his regime would halt further nuclear tests and the launching of intercontinental ballistic missiles.

He said the North has demonstrated that it has nuclear weapons and, as a result, no further tests are not needed.

Trump described the move as good news for the world.

South Korea, which is preparing for a historic summit with North Korea, said the announcement signals that meaningful progress is being made.

"The North's decision will contribute to creating a very positive environment for the success of the upcoming South-North summit," South Korea said.

The British Government also welcomed the announcement and said it "hope this indicates an effort to negotiate in good faith."