North and South Korea begin talks in truce village

North and South Korea began talks in the border truce village of Panmunjom today as tensions between the two countries over Kim's repeated ballistic tests faded.

Unification minister Cho Myung-Gyun who is leading the delegation said he would be discussing North Korea's participation in the Winter Olympics and Paralympics and look to improve relations with its neighbour.

"We will do our best to ensure that the Pyeongchang Olympics and Paralympics will take place as a peace festival and that this meeting will serve as the first step for improving  South-North ties," Cho said.

One of the agendas during the meeting would be the size and membership of the North Korean delegation for the winter games, including accommodation details.

Reports said North Korean athletes may stay on a cruise ship near the games venue.

Cho had earlier participated in talks with North Korea in the 90s, his counterpart  Ri Son-Gwon, the chief delegate from the North has also been in a similar role as the head of the Committee for Peaceful Reunification of Korea.

The much-awaited talks are a result of  Kim Jong-Un New Year's speech in which he held out an olive branch to his neighbours signalling his intention to send his country's athletes to the Winter Games, South Korea was quick to respond to the peace overtures by quickly asking for dialogue between the two countries at a venue acceptable to both.