Unification Minister nominee Lee Jae-jeong said Friday that he had asked President Roh Moo-hyun to hold regular inter-Korean summits as chair of the president's National Unification Advisory Council.

Speaking at his parliamentary confirmation hearing, Lee expressed disappointment at the lack of regular high-level inter-Korean dialogue, even though there are economic and military talks on a regular basis.

He said that the two Koreas should discuss future issues as well as immediate ones at high-level talks, including summits and minister-level dialogue.

Regarding possible resumption of inter-Korean ministerial talks, Lee said the South will convey its willingness to the North through “appropriate” channels, indicating Seoul may offer to host the talks first.

He also stressed that South Korea must persuade the U.S. in ongoing bilateral free trade talks to recognize products assembled at an inter-Korean industrial park in the North Korean city of Gaesong as “made in South Korea."