The Unification Ministry says it will push for inter-Korean cooperation projects to improve cross-border relations, including the establishment of an inter-Korean economic cooperation office and a joint agricultural complex.

The Ministry released the plan on Wednesday while briefing parliament on pending tasks and issues.

The Ministry said it would focus its efforts on strengthening inter-Korean relations in the wake of recent inter-Korean ministerial talks and a meeting between Unification Minister Chung Dong-young and North Korean leader Kim Jong-il in Pyongyang.

The Ministry also told parliament that the government will begin talks with North Korea on South Korean POWs and abductees at the August inter-Korean Red Cross meeting

Additionally, it vowed to exert efforts to institutionalize reunions of separated families through on- and offline meetings and the construction of a permanent reunion center.