Unification Minister Chung Dong-young is hoping for good things from this week's inter-Korean talks in Gaesong.

Speaking with the South Korean delegation to the two-day talks, Chung said early Monday morning that open-mindedness and sincerity will bring about positive results, even if differences may arise in the course of dialogue.

Chung asserted that if the two sides adhere to the principle of mutual respect and devotion, the two Koreas will not see another stalemate in their ties.

The South's chief delegate, Deputy Unification Minister Lee Bong-jo, vowed to exert his best efforts to use the inter-Korean discussions to create an environment favorable to settling the North's nuclear issue.