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President Park Geun-hye has expressed regret over North Korea's sudden cancellation of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's visit to the two Korea's jointly-run Kaesong Industrial Complex.
According to the presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae, during her meeting with Ban at her office on Wednesday, President Park said she had hoped the UN chief's visit to the complex would provide a breakthrough for the current situation and improve inter-Korean ties.
She, however, added that although Kaesong is facing a difficult situation after Pyongyang unilaterally demanded a pay raise for its workers, the South Korean government will maintain its principle of resolving the issue only through consultation between the two sides.
In response, the UN chief, while calling the North's move to suddenly reverse its stance deeply regrettable, said he will push for the trip again when an appropriate time comes in the future.