What will North Korea and South Korea discuss in the "ice-breaking" meeting?
Pyongyang and Seoul discussed details of high-level talks next week on North Korea's possible participation in the Winter Olympics in South Korea.
According to the South Korean Unification Ministry, this weekend, through the cross-border hotline, the two Koreas will agree on the details of the meeting, including the composition of the delegations attending the dialogue and the agenda.
"The main agenda will include how to improve inter-Korean relations and North Korea's participation in the Olympics," Baik Tae Hyun, spokesman for South Korea's Unification Ministry, said at a press briefing on January 5.
YonhapMeanwhile, the South Korean presidential office said the two sides could discuss ways to improve relations, but only after agreeing on the Olympics issue.
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| The South Korea-North Korea summit in August 2015. Photo:Ministry of Unification of Korea. |
The agenda items for the Olympics could include whether the North Korean delegation will travel by land and whether the two sides will march under a joint flag at the opening and closing ceremonies.
If the North Korean delegation travels by land, consultations between military officials from both sides will be required. In addition, if Pyongyang sends a cheering squad or a singing and performing arts group to South Korea, the two sides will have to discuss details such as the route, accommodation and security.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it was willing to pay for the expenses of the North Korean athletes if they participate in the Olympics. South Korean Unification Minister Myoung Gyon is likely to lead the Seoul delegation, while the North Korean delegation will be led by Ri Son Gwon, chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea.
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| The location of the border village of Panmunjom in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) between South Korea and North Korea, is expected to be the venue for high-level dialogue between the two Koreas. Graphics:BBC. |
Officials from the two Koreas will meet on January 9 at the request of the South and with the North's approval. Earlier, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered the opening of a border hotline between the two Koreas on January 3 to discuss the possibility of dialogue with the South.