President Moon Jae-in held summit talks with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at his office Thursday and discussed bilateral ties and regional affairs.

During the meeting, Moon said that improving inter-Korean relations and denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula must go hand in hand.

He said Seoul's task is to continue the dialogue momentum created between the two Koreas after the PyeongChang Olympics so it can also lead to dialogue between North Korea and the United States.

The president said there are high expectations for improved cross-border relations and hosting a peaceful Olympics following Pyongyang's decision to take part in the Winter Games. He said Germany's experience of overcoming conflict between East and West Germany and achieving reconciliation and unification provides Korea with many lessons and inspiration.

In response, the German president pledged support for the Korean leader's efforts to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula. Steinmeier urged not to give up hope on unification and to work on small areas to loosen up the dividing wall. He also advised to expand humanitarian exchanges such as mutual visits and family reunions.