The ruling and opposition parties have expressed their approval of the two Koreas' agreement to hold family reunions next month.

Shortly after the announcement of the accord Friday evening, ruling Saenuri Party Spokesman Rep. Yoo Il-ho said the decision is joyful news for everyone that will wipe tears of separated families.

While welcoming the two sides' additional accord to pursue another round of reunions in November, Yoo also called for establishing a permanent inter-Korean family gathering facility. 

He also stressed that the two Koreas must continue their efforts to resolve other pending issues, including the resumption of the South's tours to the Mount Geumgang resort.

The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) also welcomed the news, saying it is fortunate that the two sides found common ground for the separated families. 

DP Spokesman Park Yong-jin told reporters that the main opposition party hopes inter-Korean humanitarian programs continue under any political difficulties. Park also stressed that the effort should go on to allow everyone separated from their families by the Korean War to be reunited.

He added that although other issues of inter-Korean relations should be taken cautiously, family reunions must be pursued at great speed.