An inter-Korean joint panel on dispute arbitration has held its first meeting on detailed rules of operation for the Gaeseong Industrial Complex in North Korea.

The two sides started talks at 10 a.m. Thursday at the inter-Korean complex, discussing arbitration regulations and procedures.

The panel, composed of five officials each from the two Koreas, will handle possible legal disputes in the complex.

The Unification Ministry in Seoul views the North’s participation in the panel as a positive response to efforts to introduce international norms in the complex, given that settlement through a dispute arbitration committee is a universal practice.

The ministry also expects the joint panel will significantly contribute to protecting the investment and the rights of South Korean companies operating in the complex.

The Thursday meeting is the first of its kind since 2000 when the Koreas adopted a deal on dispute arbitration.