The head of a state-funded unification think tank says that, if the six-party talks make progress, the government should resume inter-Korean talks and consider humanitarian aid to the North.

Former Vice Unification Minister Rhee Bong-jo, currently president of the Korea Institute for National Unification, on Thursday recommended ministerial talks as the most effective starting point.

He said that the two Koreas must have constructive discussions to implement agreements, departing from the past practice of holding nominal meetings only intermittently.

The former official called on the government to consider aid to the North as soon as possible, taking into account public opinion and progress in the six-party talks, describing such aid as an investment for improved inter-Korean relations.