The Republic of Korea (RoK) unification minister, Hyun In-taek, has said his country wants to develop a new relationship of co-prosperity with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

While addressing a ceremony marking the 11th anniversary of the Korean Council for Reconciliation and Cooperation on September 3, the minister said the government is willing to talk with the DPRK on a variety of issues based on its firm principles.

“We will meet with the North (DPRK) at any time, any place and over any subject to verify and narrow differences between the two sides,” Minister Hyun was cited by Yonhap news agency as saying.

Hyun reaffirmed his government's principles on inter-Korean ties, saying that it does not mean any confrontation, but seeks to achieve co-existence and co-prosperity with the DPRK, and push Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear programme and engage in substantive dialogues with Seoul .

The relationship between the two sides is now standing at a new starting point, and its future fate entirely depends on the DPRK’s attitude, especially its stance on the nuclear issue, the minister said.

The remarks came as the DPRK is taking a series of steps that is believed to aim at improving its soured relations with the RoK including the release of some detainees, suggestion of talks for separated families' reunion, removal of restrictions on border traffic, and restoration of a military hotline with the RoK.

Some observers said the moves will help thaw the ice between the two sides.

The inter-Korean relations deteriorated since RoK President Lee Myung-bak took office early last year, who has linked aid to the DPRK to its commitment on nuclear disarmament.

The tension on the peninsula further worsened after the DPRK conducted a series of long-range rocket launches in April and tested a nuclear bomb in May./.