South Korean Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon says that he will place top priority on the reopening of the Gaeseong Industrial Complex if the situation regarding North Korea improves.  
 
At a forum on the government’s North Korea policies on Friday, the minister revealed the stance, acknowledging that the reopening of the inter-Korean joint venture is impossible under the current situation.
 
He predicted that initially it might be difficult to fully restart the cross-border factory park despite a situational improvement but explained that he will begin by visiting the North Korean city to check and maintain South Korean facilities and assets at the industrial complex.
 
Expressing his disappointment at the stalled inter-Korean joint venture, the minister stressed that the Gaeseong factory park is the best way to change North Korea and its reopening should be the first issue addressed in order to restore cross-border relations. 

Meanwhile, in a presentation paper distributed prior to a ruling party workshop on Friday, Cho said it will take great efforts and time to overcome ten years of severance in inter-Korean relations. Rather than hurrying, he said he will consistently strive to restore a dialogue channel. He added that the government will also consider sending an envoy to the North if necessary.

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