MANILA, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines lauded on Friday the decision of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to re-start high-level talks with South Korea, expressing optimism the dialogue "would lead to meaningful progress" in efforts to bring peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Peter Alan Cayetano expressed hope that the resumption of talks is a first step towards the start of meaningful dialogue that would lead to peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula.

"The Philippines is hoping that the decision of the DPRK to resume official talks with the Republic of Korea would lead to meaningful progress in efforts to achieve not only the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula but also peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula and the rest of the Asia-Pacific," Cayetano said in a statement.

Cayetano issued the statement hours after South Korea's Unification Ministry announced Pyongyang's acceptance of Seoul's proposal to hold official talks on Jan. 9.

"The Philippines has constantly advocated for a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the situation in the Korean Peninsula, and we encourage both countries to continue taking concrete efforts towards this end," Cayetano said.

He reiterated that Manila is also ready to play a role in bringing about peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula as this would usher in progress and prosperity that would also benefit the rest of the region.

This development came a day after both sides engaged in telephone calls following DPRK leader Kim Jong Un's expression of hope during his annual New Year address that a delegation could be sent to participate in the February Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea.