(VOVworld) – The Republic of Korea has offered to hold a dialogue in January with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on issues of mutual concern, including family reunions.

Unification Minister Ryoo Kihl-jae announces the government's new offer of talks with DPRK during a press conference in Seoul on Dec. 29, 2014. (Photo: Yonhap)

At a press briefing, Ryoo Kihl-jae, Unification Minister of the Republic of Korea, said that the Preparatory Committee for Reunification officially proposed talks to the North, expressing a hope that the DPRK will respond to the proposal. In February, 2014, a senior-level contact was held between the two Koreas. In October, the DPRK agreed to a second senior-level contact during a visit of DPRK officials to the RoK for the closing ceremony of the Incheon Asian Games.