An official at the unification ministry said the current South Korean government has not made any unofficial or secret contacts with North Korea.
 
The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told reporters Thursday that the government's principle is to openly and transparently proceed with negotiations with North Korea, and seek dialogue and talks while gaining public consensus.
 
However, the official said it is crucial to genuinely improve inter-Korean relations and if trust is built between the two Koreas and certain conditions are met, the government could become flexible on making unofficial contact with Pyongyang.
 
Speaking on North Korea's preconditions for holding inter-Korean dialogue, the official said that he feels it is worthless to deal with the North's repeated claims each time, adding that if it has something to say, it should come forward for dialogue.