Vice Unification Minister Lee Bong-jo says Korea Exchange Bank severed ties with Banco Delta Asia of Macau to protect its clients.

In a weekly briefing Friday, Lee denied that the bank's move was a financial sanction or political action and that it will not affect inter-Korean relations.

Banco Delta Asia is suspected of having served as a front for North Korea's money laundering and other financial crimes.

Meanwhile, Lee also said an emergency safety check was recently conducted in the tourist resort around Mount Geumgang in the North.

He said the government has instructed Hyundai Asan, the operator of the Geumgang tour, to strengthen patrol and other safety measures.