Unification Minister Chung Dong-young says the government will seek a peaceful resolution of North Korea’s nuclear standoff and the simultaneous development of inter-Korean relations in 2005.

During a meeting of advisors on unification matters on Monday, Chung said he would make efforts to resolve the North’s nuclear issue within the framework of the six-way talks as well as to improve inter-Korean relations next year.

Regarding his planned visit to China, Minister Chung said China also wants the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and it has a major role in the six-nation negotiations. Chung added that he would seek to devise ways to revive stalled six-way talks and resolve the North's prolonged nuclear issue during his four-day visit.

The South Korean official is scheduled to visit Beijing on Tuesday as President Roh Moo-hyun's special envoy. He will meet with top Chinese officials, including State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, parliamentary chief Wu Bangguo and Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.