North Korea calls for reunification with South Korea: report

North Korea on Wednesday called for unification of the Korean peninsula, with state media saying all Koreans should “promote contact, travel cooperation between North and South Korea,” according to Reuters. 

The announcement came after a joint meeting of government officials, Reuters reported.

The message reportedly called for a de-escalation of military tensions on the peninsula. State media also warned against foreign influence, saying Pyongyang will “smash” those who oppose reunification, Reuters reported.

The Korean peninsula has been divided into North and South Korea since 1945.

{mosads}Tensions between North and South Korea have cooled in recent weeks. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said during a New Year’s Day address that he would be open to talks with South Korea.

Leaders from the two countries have since engaged in discussions for the first time in years, and North Korea said it will send a delegation to next month’s Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

President Trump has taken credit for the improving relations, pointing to additional sanctions his administration has placed on North Korea.