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North, South Korea Conclude Summit with More Agreements

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North and South Korea have reached more agreements on expanding links between the two countries still technically at war.

Ending a three-day meeting in Seoul Friday, the prime ministers of the two countries agreed that regular train service for freight will begin December 11 across the heavily-fortified border for the first time in more than half a century.

The trains will link the North's Kaesong industrial complex with industries in the South.

The two sides agreed to start next year to establish a joint fishing zone. The South will build shipyards and repair a major highway and railroad in the North.

South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun told the North Korean delegation that establishing an equal economic relationship will advance the goal of unification.

South Korea's Unification Minister Lee Jae-joung praised the agreements for their contribution to peace and prosperity on the Korean peninsula.

The talks between North Korea's Prime Minister Kim Yong Il and his South Korean counterpart, Han Duck-soo, were the first such meetings in 15 years.

Last month, President Roh and North Korean leader Kim Jong Il held a landmark summit in Pyongyang and called for establishment of the cargo link.

During the summit, the two leaders also signed an accord calling for a peace treaty to replace the armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War and for the strengthening of economic ties.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.

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