South and North Korea have entered into their third day of ministerial talks in Pyongyang.

As in Wednesday's meeting, Thursday's sessions are expected to be dominated by Seoul's proposal to hold general-level military talks to ease tension at the western sea border.

During the first full session Wednesday, the South's delegation proposed the swift opening of inter-Korean military talks. However, the North reiterated that in order for such talks to take place, Seoul must suspend its joint military drills with the U.S. and Washington must withdraw its plan to deploy Aegis-class guided missile destroyer in the East Sea.

The South, in response, stressed that high-level military talks between the two Koreas had already been agreed upon in the previous ministerial discussions held in February. Seoul added that joint military exercises with the U.S. cannot but be continued as long as military tensions exist in the Korean Peninsula.

Due to such differences over military issues, the two sides failed to hold discussions on other inter-Korean matters, including preparations for the 10th reunion of separated family members and ways to promote bilateral economic cooperation.