An ethnic Korean association in Japan that backs North Korea says the two Koreas last week confirmed their will to achieve independent reunification in joint Liberation Day celebrations in Seoul.

Chochongryon on Tuesday said on the online edition of its daily Chosun Shinbo that Seoul and Pyongyang reaffirmed that reunification will come through the efforts of the Korean people.

The daily said North Korean officials recognized their South Korean counterparts as partners in reconciliation, cooperation and reunification.

It also called the visit by the North's delegation to the National Cemetery in Seoul a historic event that would have been unthinkable in the past and still difficult today.