SEOUL, June 17 (Xinhuanet) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is willing to return to the six-party nuclear talks in July, if the United States recognizes and respects Pyongyang, said South Korean Unification Minister Chung Dong-young on Friday upon his arrival in South Korea from his Pyongyang visit.

South Korean Unification Minister Chung Dong-young (L) poses with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il (R) in Pyongyang June 17.

    Television footage showed, Chung, surrounded by scores of reporters, read a brief statement outside an entrance of the Incheon International Airport.

    "(National Defense Committee) Chairman Kim Jong Il said the DPRK is willing to return to the six-party talks even in July, if the US recognizes and respects (the DPRK)," Chung said.

    Chung led a 40-member South Korean government delegation to Pyongyang on Tuesday for joint celebration held in Pyongyang to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the inter-Korean summit between South Korean former President Kim Dae-jung and DPRK top leader KimJong Il in June 2000.

    During his stay in Pyongyang, Chung held meetings with Kim YongNam, president of the DPRK Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, and Kim Ki Nam, vice chairman of the DPRK Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland. Enditem