Vice Unification Minister Hong Yang-ho says the government will continue to seek inter-Korean dialogue and cooperation despite North Korea’s latest moves, including the expulsion of nuclear inspectors and a U.N.-denounced rocket launch.

The vice minister on Thursday told a forum on reunification that Seoul hopes Pyongyang will choose cooperation rather than threats in regards to its relationship with South Korea.

Hong also called on the North to respond to dialogue as soon as possible, saying that communication will help remove distrust and expand cooperation.

The vice minister noted that the government’s position remains unchanged that it will seek to develop inter-Korean relations, adding that Seoul will continue its humanitarian aid for North Korea despite currently downgraded military and security conditions.