South Korea's unification ministry said Monday that it will maintain its current North Korea policy focused on pressure and sanctions even after the Donald Trump administration takes office next year.

In a report submitted to lawmakers, the ministry in charge of inter-Korean affairs added that it will work hard to build strong and close cooperative ties with the next US government and maintain policy "continuity" in dealing with the North.

"We will focus our efforts on establishing a frame for close cooperation with the U.S. earlier, while maintaining continuity in our North Korea policy," the ministry said.

"Our policy line in support of peaceful unification and denuclearization of the North will remain consistent. ... We will also seek cooperation in diverse areas ranging from the North's denuclearization, improvement in its human rights conditions and unification preparations," it added.

South Korea, in close coordination with major powers, including the U.S., has sought to toughen sanctions, to create an environment where the North would give up its provocative behavior. Worries are being raised that the policy direction could go through some change under the Donald Trump government.

Trump has been inconsistent in his policy toward the North. He called North Korean leader Kim Jong-un a "maniac," while sometimes hinting at possible talks and negotiations to resolve the drawn-out nuclear stalemate on the Korean Peninsula. Trump is to take office on Jan. 20.

The ministry said it will pursue contact with the Trump camp through numerous channels so as to enhance shared understanding of not only the nuclear issue but also others, including miserable human right conditions in the reclusive country. (Yonhap)