A government official says the atmosphere is positive for inter-Korean ministerial talks opening Wednesday in Pyongyang.

The talks will focus on normalizing ties between the two Koreas as they resume their 20th round of high-level contacts following a seven-month hiatus.

In an informal briefing, the official said the talks will speed North Korea's implementation of its initial steps toward nuclear dismantlement while boosting inter-Korean exchanges.

He said that South-North dialogue, in parallel with the six-way nuclear talks, will help resolve the nuclear standoff and enhance cross-border ties.

On prospects for the inter-Korean talks, the official said that things are looking up, citing the landmark six-way agreement and the scheduled visit to the U.S. by North Korea's top nuclear negotiator.

He didn't elaborate on the agenda for the current round but it's expected to include Seoul's humanitarian aid, separated family reunions, cross-border railway trials, joint industrial and resource development and arrangements for an inter-Korean meeting of defense chiefs.