South Korea’s Unification Minister Hong Yong-pyo says that increased inter-Korean exchanges would advance reunification.
 
In a congratulatory speech at a forum in Seoul on Monday, the minister also said that enhanced trust and cooperation on the Korean Peninsula would contribute to peace and stability in Northeast Asia.
 
Hong said that the Seoul government will build trust with North Korea by actively seeking exchanges and cooperation that benefit both sides while sternly dealing with any provocations by the North.
 
He also said that Seoul is trying to lead Pyongyang to take sincere steps toward denuclearization and become a responsible member of the international community, adding that if East Asia and European countries join forces, it would bring about positive changes in the North.
 
The minister said that to that end, the Park Geun-hye government will actively pursue its Korean Peninsula trust process and Northeast Asia Peace and Cooperation Initiative at the same time.