Vice Unification Minister Hong Yang-ho says the policy of cooperation and reconciliation with North Korea pursued by the two previous governments has accomplished much.

Speaking at a symposium of the Seoul-based civic organization Young Korean Academy, Hong said inter-Korean cooperation and exchanges of people and goods expanded during the decade.

However, he pointed out criticisms of the policy over Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile testing and the conflict within the South.

He rejected allegations that the current administration is denying the policy of its predecessors and being hawkish towards the North.

He said the government is seeking to build constructive inter-Korean relations after assessing both the achievements and limits of the engagement policy of the past ten years.