Seoul: Unification Minister Chung Dong-young has called upon North Korea to re-engage in dialogue, emphasizing South Korea's readiness to discuss "any agenda" to mitigate tensions between the two Koreas.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Chung delivered this message in his New Year's address at a ceremony held at the government complex in Seoul. He highlighted the need for the two nations to put an end to inter-Korean hostilities within the year. The minister reiterated the South Korean government's commitment to supporting private sector exchanges and cooperation in areas such as public health, medical services, and humanitarian issues, without imposing restrictions or interference.

Minister Chung stated, "We are ready to sit down with North Korea for talks anytime, anywhere and on any agenda to ease inter-Korean tensions." He referred to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and clarified that Seoul does not advocate for unification by absorption. Furthermore, he suggested fostering cross-border tourism initiatives, including projects associated with the Wonsan-Kalma tourist zone and the northern city of Samjiyon, located near Mount Paektu.