Prime Minister Han Seung-soo says he hopes North Korea comes with a pure intention to inter-Korean defense talks that Pyongyang proposed.

He said the meeting's agenda remains unknown, but that he hopes the talks will help to improve bilateral relations.

Han was speaking at the Korea Forum Sunday hosted by the Asan Institute for Policy Studies and the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies. He said North Korea has proposed military talks with South Korea for the first time.

He said he doesn't know the North's intention but stressed the need for genuine dialogue.

Han also cited disappointment over the North's recent threats on its nuclear program, including a halt to the disablement process. He said the crisis must be peacefully resolved and all matters should be dealt with through the six-party talks.

The prime minister said Seoul will address the nuclear issue based on mutual interest adding that patience, though not always the best virtue, is nonetheless needed in inter-Korean affairs.