Unification Minister Hong Yong-pyo has expressed hope regarding inter-Korean relations, saying that he expects to see a few more improvements after this month.
 
In a news conference Friday marking his first month as minister, Hong said that South Korea must do more to enhance in cross-border relations and North Korea must also demonstrate a more positive attitude.
 
He said that alongside civic contact channels, Seoul is working to open up a government-level dialogue channel with the North.
 
He said details of the effort will be announced at an appropriate time.
 
Regarding this point, a senior Unification Ministry official said that all possible effort should be employed to create a breakthrough in South-North relations including visits to the North by the unification minister or vice minister.
 
The official said that Seoul is open to all dialogue including an inter-Korean summit but basic contacts must first begin for this to happen.