South and North Korea have begun their high-level talks at the truce village of Panmunjeom. 

Ahead of departing for the talks on Friday, Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon told reporters that discussions will focus on ensuring the swift implementation of the agreements reached between the two Koreas' leaders in their recent summits, and to create a positive atmosphere for a potential U.S.-North Korea summit. 

The minister said that the talks will also center on a joint inter-Korean event marking the June 15th Joint Declaration produced during the first inter-Korean summit in 2000.

Other items on the agenda include the establishment of a joint liaison office and arrangements for inter-Korean family reunions to mark Korea’s National Liberation Day on August 15th.  

Cho added that schedules for diverse meetings, including military and Red Cross talks, will also top discussions between the countries' five-member delegations. 

The talks began at 10 a.m. Friday at the Peace House in the southern part of Panmunjeom. 

[Photo : YONHAP News]