The first full session of the 17th inter-Korean ministerial meeting will open in Jeju Island on Wednesday.

In a keynote speech, the South’s delegation is expected to strongly urge for the opening of inter-Korean military talks to discuss key economic cooperation projects, including the opening of inter-Korean railways and roads as well as the expanding of joint fishing along the western sea border.

The South will also ask Pyongyang to assume a forward-looking stance on Seoul’s proposed exchange of letters between separated family members and regularizing of video family reunions as well as the sensitive issue of the whereabouts of South Korean prisoners of war and abductees in the North.

During a welcoming banquet earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan stressed the need to establish permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula for the sake of progress in inter-Korean economic cooperation.

In response, the North’s chief delegate Kwon Ho-ung said he hopes the ministerial talks will produce tangible results ahead of the New Year.