The Unification Ministry said Thursday it was unaware of President Lee Myung-bak's proposal to open liaison offices in Seoul and Pyongyang until he actually made the offer.

A ministry official said they learned of the proposal through media reports.

Another ministry official said they're expecting progress in inter-Korean relations to be made at the upcoming Seoul-Washington summit. But, the official said, the ministry is not prepared for the liaison office issue.

A ministry spokesman declined comment, saying the presidential office is working on the issue.

He added that the ministry is studying if follow-up measures are necessary regarding the proposed liaison office.