The 16th inter-Korean ministerial talks opened Tuesday in Pyongyang, with South Korea's delegation led by Unification Minister Chung Dong-young arriving in the afternoon.

Before leaving for Pyongyang, Chung told reporters that the four-day meeting will cover general inter-Korean relations and seek to assist the resumed six-party talks going on simultaneously in Beijing.

Chung also denied receiving an offer from Pyongyang to visit national cemeteries in North Korea, refusing further comment on the matter.

In the ministerial talks, the South will urge the North to set dates for inter-Korean talks of generals and Red Cross societies, and discuss South Korean POWs and abductees in the North.

The two sides will start their official schedule with a dinner hosted by North Korean Premier Pak Pong-ju.

A plenary session will open Wednesday and full-scale discussions will follow before an official announcement on agreements is made Friday.