Inter-Korean ministerial talks will open February 27th in Pyongyang after a seven-month hiatus.

Working-level officials from the two countries met in the North Korean border city of Gaesong Thursday and agreed to hold the 20th round of high-level talks for four days.

In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the two sides reaffirmed their mutual commitment to advance cross-border ties in the spirit of the June 2000 joint declaration.

Seoul's chief delegate Lee Kwan-se said that South Korea urged efforts for peace and co-prosperity following the six-way nuclear agreement.

North Korea reportedly responded by saying that its policy to thoroughly implement the joint declaration for improved inter-Korean ties remains unchanged.

Lee said the meeting was held in a sincere and friendly atmosphere.