Unification Minister Lee Jae-joung says the next administration should respect the government's five-year basic plan for advancement of inter-Korean relations.

He told a news briefing Thursday that Seoul-Pyongyang relations are the determining factor for peace on the Korean Peninsula and crucial to creating a new engine for the nation's economic growth.

On parliamentary ratification of agreements reached at the latest inter-Korean prime ministers' talks, Lee said the government will seek parliamentary approval if the Ministry of Legislation determines it is necessary.

In addition, Lee said Seoul will send a government-civilian joint delegation next week to Mount Baekdu in North Korea for on-site inspections of a proposed tourism program. Another team will visit Pyongyang for inter-Korean agricultural cooperation.