Unification Minister Ryoo Kihl-jae is urging North Korea to accept South Korea’s proposal to hold government-level talks on the suspended operation of the Gaeseong Industrial Complex.

Delivering a congratulatory message for the opening of a global forum on the North Korean economy, Ryoo said he hopes Pyongyang will positively respond to Seoul’s efforts to resolve the suspension of the inter-Korean factory park.

He said North Korea should first agree to discuss the return of South Korean production materials and finished goods from the inter-Korean joint venture at a meeting of working-level government officials from the two Koreas.

The minister analyzed that the suspension of the industrial park clearly shows the lack of mutual trust between South and North Korea. He criticized the North for attempting to put the Korean public and private sector at odds with the government by exploiting the people's good will and the difficult situation faced by the Gaeseong firms.