The Republic of Korea's top policymaker on inter-Korean affairs said on Friday that the country could lift sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea if talks between the two sides resume.

"I think it could be an opportunity to lift the May 24 measures if south-north talks are held," Unification Minister Ryoo Kihl-jae said during a lecture in Seoul.

"Economic cooperation between the two Koreas is not allowed due to the May 24 sanctions, and the government has already studied (the lifting of) the sanctions," Ryoo said.