DHAKA: North and South Korea have begun high-level talks, the first between the countries in two years, reports BBC.

The meeting, at the Peace House in the truce village of Panmunjom, will focus on North Korea's possible participation in the 2018 Winter Olympic Games, taking place in South Korea in February.

South Korea also said it would raise ways to improve inter-Korean relations.

Ties have become increasingly tense since the last talks in 2015.
Relations broke down after Seoul suspended a joint economic project at the Kaesong Industrial complex in North Korea following a rocket launch and nuclear test by the North.

The incident led to North Korea ending all communication with Seoul, including cutting off telephone lines. Tensions have risen in the years since as the North continues to rapidly advance its banned weapons program.

Both sides have sent five-member delegations to the talks, who spoke to media ahead of the session.

"The people have a strong desire to see the North and South move toward peace and reconciliation," said Seoul's Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon.

The high-level talks were agreed after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said he was considering sending a team to the Olympics in Pyeongchang in his New Year address.

The move led to North Korea restoring a telephone hotline to South Korea, enabling the first contact about holding talks.

US President Donald Trump called the talks a "big start", adding that it would be a "great thing for all of humanity" if they resulted in a positive outcome.

BDST: 0955 HRS, JAN 9, 2018
SI