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

In a keynote speech, South Korean Unification Minister Chung Dong-young urged close cooperation in setting up a permanent peace mechanism on the Korean Peninsula and the prompt resumption of the six-way nuclear talks.

Seoul also called implementation of the September joint statement on dismantling the North's nuclear program the most effective way to realize joint benefits for the two Koreas.

Also proposed were the continuation of letter exchanges and video reunions for separated families, the 13th in-person reunion and the launch of service of the newly linked Gyeongui and Donghae rail lines.

Seoul also urged substantial cooperation in Pyongyang's bid to register historical sites in the inter-Korean border city of Gaesong as a World Heritage.

The North proposed holding in-person and online reunions timed with the Lunar New Year holidays.

The two sides also began coordinating a joint statement via contacts among working-level and liaison officials.

After lunch, the delegates will tour the botanical garden of Bunjae Artpia.