Former President Kim Dae-jung has urged North Korea to make a strategic move in giving up its nuclear weapons program.

A government official on Tuesday said Kim made the comment in a Friday meeting with Unification Minister Chung Dong-young, who visited Kim's residence ahead of the inter-Korean ministerial talks this week.

In the latest round of the six-party nuclear talks, Kim said the North has gained much-desired concessions from the United States such as offers of a security guarantee and official ties, and recognition of the North's sovereignty.

He said now is the time for the North to abandon its nuclear weapons given the progress made under the framework of the talks.

Chung, who left for Pyongyang Tuesday, will deliver Kim's message to the North.

The former president also said the North should target 80 percent satisfaction rather than 100 percent from the six-party talks.