The government has expressed deep regret over North Korea’s decision to halt cross-border railway and tour operations to its border city of Gaeseong.

Unification Ministry spokesman Kim Ho-nyoun said in a statement that the North’s unilateral actions are in violation of inter-Korean agreements.

The spokesman strongly urged Pyongyang to withdraw its decision.

Kim said Seoul respects the cooperative spirit of the June 15th inter-Korean joint declaration and the October fourth summit agreement. He pointed out that, on numerous occasions, Seoul has expressed its willingness to discuss its obligations under the agreement through dialogue with the North.

He asked Pyongyang to come to the dialogue table and cooperate to resolve the issues at hand.

The spokesman added that the government will take proceed accordingly and will give top priority to the safety of South Koreans at the North Korean complex, but he did not elaborate on the measures.