North and South Korea have kicked off talks on Pyongyang`s possible participation in the Winter Paralympic Games in Pyeongchang.
The talks come after the North`s participation in the Olympics, widely seen as successful piece of diplomacy which brought a hint of rapprochement.
However, countries like the US and Japan remain wary of nuclear-armed North Korea`s intentions.
It would be North Korea`s first ever attendance at any Winter Paralympics.
Only two athletes, both para skiers, have been invited to take part in the Games, which will be held from 9-18 March.
But North Korea last month agreed that it would send a 150-strong delegation, including cheerleaders and support staff, to the Paralympics.
Officials from both Koreas met on Tuesday morning on the northern side of the demilitarised zone, according to Seoul`s unification ministry.
They are expected to discuss the events North Korea`s athletes will compete in as well as travel and accommodation plans for the North`s delegation.
Lee Joo-tae, who is leading South Korea`s delegation at the talks, told reporters they would do their best to maintain the current atmosphere for improved inter-Korean relations, the Yonhap news agency reports.
North Korea sent a controversial senior general, Kim Yong-chol, to the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games on Sunday.
He also met South Korea`s President Moon Jae-in and, according to South Korea, said North Korea would be willing to re-open talks with US officials.
The US had said such talks could lead to a "brighter path", but has insisted that North Korea giving up its nuclear weapons must remain the end goal.
The Korean peninsula has been divided since the 1950-53 war and the two sides have never signed a peace treaty.
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