By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter
A presidential secretary for inter-Korean relations called on North Korea, Thursday, to resume dialogue with South Korea to discuss solutions to the economic crisis and to ensure political stability in the communist nation.
"Pyongyang should have an open mind on talks with Seoul because only the latter can help it rebuild its economy and ease security concerns," Kim Sung-hwan, senior presidential secretary for diplomatic and security issues, said.
"We are always open to talks with Pyongyang. However, the inter-Korean ties will only improve when the North shows sincere efforts to resolve the nuclear issue," Kim said during a luncheon meeting hosted by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Korea (EUCCK) at the Lotte Hotel in central Seoul.
The proposal came amid reports that the two Koreas have been involved in behind-the-scenes efforts since late last year to realize a summit between President Lee Myung-bak and North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.
Sources close to the dialogue said North Korea demanded a wide range of economic incentives in exchange for the summit. Lee, however, made it clear last month that his government would not pay any "price" for the event.
Commenting on the North's strategy of excluding South Korea and talking only with the United States on regional security issues, the secretary said the North should treat the South as a true dialogue and negotiation partner.
"Pyongyang has regarded Seoul as only an economic aid provider and held security and political talks with only Washington. We won't tolerate such behavior," Kim said.
"The two Koreas should discuss solutions to the nuclear issue and restore mutual trust first before resuming any economic exchanges. The North should face up to reality.
Kim also introduced the administration's Global Korea vision, under which it is seeking to improve economic and diplomatic ties with developing and underdeveloped nations in Asia, Africa and South America.
As this year's chair of the G-20, Korea will try to represent their common voices and play a more active role in tackling global issues, such as climate change, terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, he said.