The Unification Ministry has expressed regret over North Korea's unilateral postponement of high-level inter-Korean talks that were set to open on Wednesday. 

In a statement, the ministry said the North’s move to postpone the talks because of annual military exercises between South Korea and the U.S. goes against the fundamental spirit and objective of the Panmunjeom Declaration. 

It said Seoul is determined to faithfully implement the declaration adopted during last month’s inter-Korean summit and urged Pyongyang to swiftly take part in talks to discuss implementation efforts. 

The ministry also stressed that the two Koreas must consistently engage in talks to address the reason the North cited for the cancellation of the talks. 

The ministry said related ministries will work together closely and devise necessary measures so that sustainable inter-Korean ties and the establishment of permanent peace on the peninsula can come about through the implementation of the Panmunjeom Declaration.

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