(VOVworld)- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Friday called for improved relations with South Korea, saying that he is open to talks with Seoul in an open-minded manner for unification. In his New Year's message delivered live on the North's television, Kim said North Korea can hold candid dialogue with the South, calling on Seoul to honor an inter-Korean deal reached in August to defuse military tension.   The two Koreas reached a rare deal on Aug. 25 to ease military tension following a land mine blast near the inter-Korean border blamed on North Korea. However Kim did not mention North Korea's nuclear weapons program. The Workers' Party of Korea, the North's ruling party, plans to hold the first congress in more than three decades in May, when Kim may unveil new lines of policies and conduct a major reshuffle. Kim stressed the importance of holding the party congress, calling for thorough preparation for the event.