Vice Unification Minister Hong Yang-ho says South Korea will be patient and wait for the North to step forward for sincere talks.

Hong made the remarks at a ceremony to mark the establishment of the Central Association for National Unification of Korea, emphasizing that the government will stick to its principles and work to develop sound relations between the two nations.

The comments come despite recent reports that the reclusive communist state is making moves to reactivate its Yongbyon nuclear facility.

He added that national consensus is the most important issue in accomplishing peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.