The government has expressed hope that North Korea will respond positively to holding follow-up discussions to high-level ministerial talks held last week.
 
Unification Ministry Spokesman Jeong Joon-hee told reporters on Monday that Seoul hopes Pyongyang will seriously ponder ways to improve bilateral ties to implement the August 25 inter-Korean accord.
 
Jeong said there has been no change in Seoul’s basic policy of advancing inter-Korean ties and building a foundation for a peaceful unification by seeking dialogue with an open mind.
 
However, Jeong was quick to add that the government, currently, has no plans to propose additional government-level talks before the year’s end.
 
During the fifth round of contacts held last Saturday between chief delegates to the high-level talks, the South is reported to have proposed holding additional talks but was turned down by the North.
 
Meanwhile, on the sudden cancellation of the North’s Moranbong Band concert in China, Jeong said related agencies are trying to confirm details.
 
Asked what effect the cancellation would have on North Korea-China relations, Jeong said it would not be appropriate to comment on the matter.