South Korea will complete negotiations with Taiwan over the resumption of a Seoul-Taipei air route early this year.

Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Lee Joung-binn made the comment Tuesday at a news conference at the ministry.

Lee said South Korea will try to reopen direct air flights with Taiwan as soon as possible to relieve inconvenience in traveling.

Seoul and Taiwan have failed to reopen negotiations because of differences over some key issues.

The main difference is over who should sign the new aviation pact. Taiwan had called for the two governments to sign the pact, while Seoul had proposed it be concluded at the civilian level because the two sides have no diplomatic ties.

Seoul severed diplomatic ties with Taipei shortly after Korea established formal relations with China in 1992. In retaliation, Taiwan nullified the aviation pact and closed the air route.

Moreover, China's recent call for the Seoul government to consult with Beijing before resuming direct air routes with Taipei has complicated the matter.