Vice Unification Minister Lee Bong-jo says Seoul will implement comprehensive economic projects with North Korea once the nuclear issue begins to enter a settlement stage.

Speaking on Thursday at a local seminar marking the fifth anniversary of the June 15 Joint Declaration, Lee called the nuclear dispute a critical test for efforts to establish peace on the Korean peninsula.

He said Pyongyang's decision to end the impasse would provide the country with a security guarantee and economic recovery.

Regarding such proposed inter-Korean business projects, Lee said they include the building of infrastructure in the North and various cooperative plans, adding that Seoul is also willing to first help with North Korea's dire agricultural needs.