Unification Minister Chung Dong-young says the United States understands and supports inter-Korean economic cooperation.

On the second day of his four-day visit to Washington, Chung met with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice and discussed pending bilateral issues.

Following the meetings, Chung told reporters that the top U.S. officials had responded positively to his request for understanding and support over South-North joint economic projects, including the construction of the Gaesong Industrial Complex in the North.

Chung went on to say that the United States wants a swift resolution to North Korea's nuclear crisis via six-nation negotiations, regardless of the results of the upcoming U.S. presidential elections.