The inter-Korean economic cooperation committee met for the first time Tuesday in Seoul.

In a speech to open the three-day meeting, Finance Minister Kwon O-kyu called on the two sides to discuss concrete measures to promote economic cooperation with a goal and vision.

The South Korean delegation chief said the talks should set the framework for economic cooperation projects agreed upon at October's inter-Korean summit, and help accelerate the second-phase development of the Gaesong Industrial Complex.

North Korean Deputy Prime Minister Jon Sung-hun said inter-Korean economic cooperation will proceed smoothly if the two sides pool their wisdom and strength.

The North Korean delegation arrived in the South Korean capital at 11 a.m. Tuesday via a direct air route over the West Sea, before moving to the Seoul Grand Hilton Hotel for the talks.

The delegates will attend a welcome reception later in the day to be hosted by Kwon.

They will visit South Korean industrial facilities Wednesday afternoon after sectoral talks in the morning.

[Photo : ]