Discussions on whether the country will take part at next month's Games will take place next week between North and South Korea, the first talks to officially be held between the nations in more than two years.

According to Kyodo News, North Korea's IOC member Chang Ung told reporters in Beijing that the nation are "likely to participate".

The meeting between the two nations is set to take place on Tuesday (January 9) at the Peace House in Panmunjeom, located in the demilitarised zone which is also known as the Joint Security Area.

North Korea's agreement to the talks came hours after South Korea and the United States agreed to halt joint military exercises during the Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

North Korea and South Korea have not held official high-level talks since December 2015 following escalating tension in the region.

Relations appear to have eased in recent days following Kim Jong-un's New Year's Day speech, where he revealed North Korea hoped to compete at Pyeongchang 2018.

Kim claimed that North Korea planned to open talks with its neighbours in Seoul shortly to negotiate its team's participation at the Games.

While Kim suggested the country may take part in the Games during his New Year address, the North Korean leader also warned that 2017 was the year that his nation became a fully fledged nuclear power.

Pairs skaters Ryom Tae-Ok and Kim Ju-Sik are the only North Korean athletes to have so far qualified for Pyeongchang 2018.

They missed a deadline last month to accept their spot, although they could still be allowed to participate.

It remains possible that other athletes from North Korea could also be given wildcards.

South Korea have been strongly supportive of North Korean involvement in the Games, which they hope could lead to a reduction in tensions and potential diplomatic talks.

The International Olympic Committee and Pyeongchang 2018 have also spoke in favour of North Korean participation.