Seoul: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung stressed the importance of restoring trust with North Korea by promoting an atmosphere of peace, after Pyongyang categorically rejected his offer of dialogue with the North. Lee made these remarks while delivering a letter of appointment to the new Unification Minister, Jeong Dong-yong, according to presidential spokeswoman Kang Yo-jung.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the ceremony to deliver the letter of appointment was held after Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, issued the first official statement from North Korea regarding Lee’s administration, declaring that Pyongyang has no interest in any policy or proposal from South Korea.

Kang quoted Lee as saying, “It is important to restore trust between the two Koreas while making efforts to build peace.”

In response, Jung pledged to work toward peace, noting that a high wall of mistrust had built up between the two Koreas due to years of hostile policies, according to Kang.

Since taking office in early June, the Lee administration has suspended loudspeaker broadcasts along the border and urged civic groups to halt anti-Pyongyang leaflet campaigns as part of efforts to mend strained relations and resume dialogue.