As inter-Korean relations are strained with North Korea’s suspension of the reunion of separated families, South Korean organizations assisting the impoverished North are insisting for continued humanitarian aid.

The South’s National Red Cross President Han Wan-sang said Friday that humanitarian aid to the North must continue consistently regardless of international or domestic issues.

In his appearance on KBS1 radio talk show, Han noted that it was the Red Cross’s job to seek a humanitarian breakthrough for a political deadlock.

He stressed that the “fundamental” way to resolve inter-Korean issues is to hold summit talks between the two Koreas.

In addition, heads of other civilian North Korean aid organizations got together Friday to agree to call for continued humanitarian aid.