In a bid to improve strained ties, South Korea allows civilian group to get in touch with North over aid programs

Seoul: South Korea has approved a civic group to contact North Korea over aid programs, the first such approval since North Korea's nuclear test in January 2016.Friday's announcement is a sign that the government led by new President Moon Jae-in is trying to find ways to improve strained ties with North Korea.[caption id="attachment_3482719" align="alignleft" width="380"]

Workers load goods onto a boat on the North Korean side of the Yalu River near Sinuiju, North Korea. Reuters[/caption]The Unification Ministry says the Seoul-based Korean Sharing Movement would be allowed to communicate with North Korea to discuss how to deal with malaria in North Korea.The civic group says it will contact North Korea via fax or email to provide North Korea with mosquito nets and repellent.Moon's government supports expanding inter-Korean civilian exchanges. Analysts say Moon won't likely push for any major rapprochement projects because North Korea has gone too far on its nuclear program.