North Korea calls for unification with South Korea

In what Reuters describes as a "rare announcement", North Korea has reportedly called for unification with South Korea, a move by the Kim Jong-un government that has surprised people all over the world.

North Korean state media says all Koreans should "promote contact, travel cooperation between North and South Korea".

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un pictured on top of the country's highest mountain. Photo / KCNA

According to news agency Reuters, the announcement came after a meeting between government officials of the two countries.

North Korea is reportedly asking for a de-escalation of military tensions on the Korean peninsula.

It added that Pyongyang will "smash" those who oppose the unification.

The peninsula has been divided since World War II but tensions between the two countries have cooled down recently, with North Korea recently announcing it is sending a delegation to next month's Winter Olympics in South Korea.