President of the Korean National Red Cross Han Wan-sang says his group has agreed with the government to provide flood relief aid to North Korea.

After a meeting with Unification Minister Lee Jong-seok on Thursday, Han said the two sides agreed to send humanitarian aid to the flood-stricken North and the aid will comprise of rice, medicine and equipment for recovery work.

He stressed the aid will not be ‘symbolic,’ hinting at a substantial amount of assistance.

Han said details will be determined next week in considering the North's earlier request for aid.

North Korea made a formal request for help on Wednesday after turning down Seoul’s offer of help for recovery efforts.

The Seoul government suspended government-level food and fertilizer aid in protest of the North’s missile launches early last month.