The EU and Japan on Thursday called for further sanctions against North Korea after Pyongyang tested an intercontinental ballistic missile in defiance of repeated UN resolutions.

"Today we agreed to call on the international community to strengthen measures aimed at further restricting the transfer of relevant items and technologies as well funding for North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes," EU president Donald Tusk said after talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

"In this regard, we appeal for the early adoption of a new and comprehensive UN Security Council resolution," Tusk said.