North Korean leader Kim Jong-il says he will give up long-range missiles if relations with the United States improve.

Unification Minister Chung Dong-young, in a Cabinet briefing on his visit to the North, said Monday that Kim is willing to dismantle the missiles if Washington sets up diplomatic ties with Pyongyang.

Chung said Kim proposed to reexamine the inter-Korean railway project that seeks to open the Gyeongui and Donghae lines at the same time.

Chung said an earlier opening of the Gyeongui line is possible to help revitalize the Gaesung Industrial Complex in the North.

Kim also thanked South Koreans for their various assistance, the first time the North Korean leader has officially expressed his gratitude to the South.