Gov't vows close cooperation with int'l community over N.K. food aid

SEOUL, May 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will push for possible food assistance for North Korea in close cooperation with the international community, the unification ministry said Wednesday. According to a recently published U.N. report, North Korea is estimated to have produced the lowest level of food crop last year in a decade, and some 40 percent of its total population is in need of food assistance. "From a humanitarian perspective, we are concerned about what the international organization described as very serious food problems in North Korea," ministry spokesman Lee Sang-min said during a press briefing. Noting that several procedures are required, such as discussions with ministries concerned, and that no detailed plans are available at this stage, Lee said the government will work closely with the international community over the matter. U.S. President Donald Trump also expressed support for South Korea's possible food aid for the impoverished neighbor during his telephone talks with President Moon Jae-in on Tuesday night (Korean time). graceoh@yna.co.kr (END)