For the first time since Seoul imposed the so-called May 24 sanctions on Pyongyang in 2010, a civilian aid group's fertilizer has entered North Korea.
 
Seven officials from Ace Gyeongam departed for Sariwon in North Hwanghae Province via an overland route Tuesday morning to deliver 22 trucks filled with 15 tons of fertilizer and greenhouse construction material.
 
The chief director of Ace Gyeongam, Ahn Yoo-soo, told reporters ahead of departing for the North that he hopes the delivery will lay the foundation for compromise and cooperation between the people of the two Koreas. He added that Ace Gyeongam will continue to provide agricultural support to the North.
 
The officials of the aid group are set to return home on Saturday.

On Monday, Unification Ministry spokesman Lim Byeong-cheol said that the ministry approved aid group Ace Gyeongam’s overland travel and fertilizer supply to the North. 

The Unification Ministry also plans to allow the provision of humanitarian aid that is transparent and benefits North Korean people in the areas of agriculture, livestock and forestry.