Unification Minister Hyun In-taek says the border area between South and North Korea must be developed to prepare the basis for a peaceful unification.

During a speech at a parliamentary council meeting on developing northern Gyeonggi Province Thursday, the minister said the border areas faced stricter restrictions than others due to security reasons.

The minister noted that the border region has been an area of confrontation and antagonism as well as a hindrance to communication between the South and North, since the two sides were spearated.

However, he emphasized that the area is being shown in a new light, as it has potential to become a space for cooperative exchange as well as an advance base to enter into the North.