South Korea's unification minister on Wednesday stressed the importance of international cooperation in resolving North Korea's nuclear problem and improving inter-Korean ties.

Cho Myoung-gyon made the remark at a meeting with Simon Smith, Britain's new ambassador to South Korea, ahead of an inter-Korean summit slated for April 27 and a proposed summit between the United States and North Korea.

"The government believes that cooperation with the international community is very important in resolving the North's nuclear issue and developing inter-Korean relations," the minister said.