Former Unification Minister Lim Dong-won says the South Korean government should send a special envoy to North Korea to ease strained inter-Korean relations.

Lim said in a speech Wednesday that the two Koreas should frequently exchange envoys and hold a summit, stressing that direct dialogue with the North Korean leadership is essential given the nature of the Pyongyang government.

The former minister also said resuming rice and fertilizer aid to the North would help mend strained relations, adding that humanitarian aid for the communist country should continue.