Singapore - The Singapore government said on Sunday it regretted North Korea's rocket launch and called for a stable and nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.

"We are deeply concerned by this development. We regret that the DPRK has seen fit to take this step," said the foreign ministry in a statement.

"We hope all parties involved will exercise restraint and reduce tensions through dialogue and the Six Party Talks.

"A Korean Peninsula that is stable and nuclear-free is crucial for regional security and development," it said in response to media queries. dpa