Turnbull talks peace on Korean peninsula

Malcolm Turnbull has pledged Australia's commitment to ensure peace on the Korean peninsula in a meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

The prime minister and president met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Hamburg on Saturday.

Mr Turnbull said Australia and South Korea had a strong and growing friendship and the free trade agreement between the two countries continued to drive the economic relationship.

"Of course, as always, you have our absolute support in your efforts to ensure peace and stability is restored on the Korean peninsula," Mr Turnbull said.

He also thanked the president for Korea's commitment to taking Australian liquefied natural gas, which was a "vital part of the transition of economies around the world".

Before the cameras left, the prime minister asked: "How do you see the shocking escalation by North Korea, manifested most recently in the latest test; how do you see the best means of dealing with this, to stop this reckless conduct which threatens the peace of our region?"

But the answer was not heard on camera.