New Unification Minister Lee Jong-suk has urged the holding of regular inter-Korean military talks.

In his inauguration speech Friday, he also proposed a meeting of inter-Korean defense ministers to help ease tension and build trust on the Korean Peninsula.

Calling this year and next year critical in inter-Korean ties, Lee said cross-border economic cooperation will expand to the light industry, mining, fisheries, agriculture and tours to Mount Baekdu and Gaesong in North Korea.

He also pledged efforts to hold more reunions of separated families and help them confirm the whereabouts and correspond with relatives in the North.