Discussions on easing sanctions on North Korea can take shape only when progress in its denuclearization materializes, a senior unification ministry official here said Thursday.

"I know that there are many people expecting (increased inter-Korean exchanges) but the reality is that I cannot talk only about good things," Vice Unification Minister Chun Hae-sung told a forum in Seoul.

"Still, there are sanctions in place imposed by the international community, including the United States, against the North," he added. "Discussion could start on removing sanctions when denuclearization materializes."

Inter-Korean relations have been thawing since the leaders of the two Koreas held summits in April and May. They promised to halt hostile acts against each other and to expand cross-border exchanges and cooperation.

The two Koreas have held working-level talks on cooperation in diverse sectors, including military, sports and culture, raising expectations that long-suspended economic cooperation could be resumed.

The US has said that there will be no sanctions relief until Pyongyang has denuclearized. The North has claimed that US

President Donald Trump expressed his intention during his June 12 summit with its leader Kim Jong-un to lift sanctions "along with advance in improving the mutual relationship through dialogue and negotiation."

Chun said that it is important for the international community to make efforts to induce North Korea to open up its economy to the outside world. (Yonhap)