By Lee Hana

North Korea has released an official statement following U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to cancel the U.S.-North Korea summit, saying that "it was both unexpected, and very regretful."

Kim Kye Gwan, a top official at the North Korean foreign ministry, said in comments published on May 25 that the U.S.'s unilateral decision had made North Korea "question whether its efforts to walk down this new path is indeed the right choice."

The official said that, "President Trump's statement on the summit is a decision that is not in line with the hopes for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and around the world. The current state of affairs shows just how serious the hostilities are between North Korea and the U.S., and how crucial it is right now for the two heads of state to meet, to improve relations."

"We had hoped that the summit would meet our demands, and bring fruitful outcomes that would actually address the problems at hand. The chairman has been pouring a lot of effort into preparing for the summit," he said.

The official stressed that, "While it's true that the cancellation has brought some doubt, we are willing to give time and opportunity to the U.S., with a big and open mind. We reiterate that we are willing to sit face to face with the U.S. at any time, and in any way to resolve our issues."

hlee10@korea.kr