The two Koreas may pursue inter-Korean general-level talks as part of the follow-up to an ongoing meeting between their defense chiefs.

The second inter-Korean defense ministers’ talks opened in Pyongyang Tuesday for a three-day run.

A government official said that general-level talks will be necessary to discuss details if the defense ministers can agree on guidelines for a joint fishing area in the West Sea.

The official added that South and North Korean generals would also cover technical issues for the operation of a sea route linking Incheon and the North Korean port of Haeju.

He also raised the possibility that South Korean Defense Minister Kim Jang-soo could meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.

He noted that former President Kim Dae-jung and North Korean defense chief Kim Il-chol had also met during the first inter-Korean defense ministers’ talks seven years ago in Jeju.