A top presidential aide says North Korea should improve its relations with South Korea and engage in full-fledged dialogue in order to stabilize its regime and overcome its economic troubles.

In a speech at a meeting hosted by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Korea (EUCCK), senior presidential security aide Kim Seong-hwan said South Korea is always open to dialogue and cooperation with the North.

In particular, regarding North Korea’s policy of having talks only with the U.S. and shunning South Korea, Kim stressed that Pyongyang must come to grips with the situation on the Korean Peninsula and accept Seoul as its partner in negotiations and cooperation.