South Korea and Taiwan have signed a new aviation agreement, restoring regular air links that had been shut down 12 years ago.

The Ministry of Construction and Transportation said the agreement was signed Wednesday by South Korea's representative in Taipei and the Taiwanese representative based in Seoul.

Under the new agreement, airlines from both sides may service direct flights up to 18 times a week. However, cargo flights will be limited to twice a week.

Regular air service was cut off in 1992 after South Korea opened official diplomatic relations with China.

Taiwan retaliated by banning South Korean airlines from flying to the island, allowing only foreign airlines to service the route between the two Asian neighbors.

In December 2002, however, Korean and Taiwanese officials agreed to mutually allow chartered flights between the two sides.

In Seoul, the Foreign Ministry said the flight agreement does not go against Seoul's recognition of the "One-China" policy, but aims to foster practical commercial exchanges with the island state.

A ministry official said Beijing had previously expressed understanding of South Korea's position on the matter.