South Korea's Unification Ministry projected in a report that North Korea will seek to normalize inter-Korean relations next year in order to improve its economy.

The ministry said this was likely as next year marks the 60th anniversary of liberation from Japanese colonial rule and the fifth anniversary of the first-ever inter-Korean summit in 2001.

The ministry also said North Korea was expected to engage in efforts to mend ties with Japan and take a more active approach in dealing with the Japanese abductee issue.