Ankara:North Korea has turned down an offer of medical aid from South Korea, insisting that Seoul must demonstrate 'utmost respect, solicitude, and sincerity' if it truly intends to improve relations between the two nations.

According to Anadolu Agency, Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, condemned South Korea's attempt to secure a UN exemption to provide medical equipment to North Korea. She labeled the move as an 'insult,' a politically charged provocation, and a 'grave encroachment' on North Korea's national law, as reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Kim criticized those involved in the aid proposal, suggesting they were aware that the medical equipment could not reach North Korean territory. She dismissed the initiative as a 'farce' and a 'sinister political calculation' designed to contrast Seoul's 'well-meaning attitude' with North Korea's rejection of the aid.

Kim emphasized that if South Korea wishes to mend relations, it must be mindful of North Korea's sentiments and exhibit respect and sincerity. She reiterated that North Korea has no interest in engaging with South Korea or holding face-to-face exchanges, affirming this as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) steadfast position.

The relationship between the two Koreas remains tense following a land mine explosion last month on South Korea's side of the Military Demarcation Line, which seriously injured two South Korean soldiers. Seoul accused Pyongyang of planting the mines deliberately, an allegation North Korea denies.

South Korea's top military commander, as reported by Yonhap News Agency, characterized the recent mine blast near the inter-Korean border as a 'provocation' by North Korea. Meanwhile, Kim Yo Jong described Seoul's aid offer as 'another farce' orchestrated alongside the 'mine explosion' incident, calling it 'an extraordinary spectacle.'