A senior government official said Thursday that South Korea’s rice and fertilizer assistance to North Korea will be provided in a step-by-step manner, if Seoul resumes the aid.

At a luncheon with editors of domestic news organizations, the official said the provision of economic aid should reflect the implementation of the February 13th six-party agreement on the North's nuclear weapons program, in accordance with the principle of "action-for-action."

He added that even if assistance is resumed, it would take quite some time.

The official said that at next week's inter-Korean ministerial talks in Pyongyang, Seoul will focus on restoring friendly relations rather than pursuing concrete results.

Regarding a possible South-North summit, the official said the issue will not be discussed at next week's talks, adding that South Korean delegates are not seeking to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.

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