The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is keeping the door open for North Korea to participate at next month's Winter Olympics in South Korea.
An IOC spokesperson said the Olympic body welcomes high-level talks between both governments set to take place Tuesday.
The spokesperson said the IOC wants all athletes to compete at the Olympics, "beyond political tensions and divisions," and is talking to all parties involved.
North Korea's missile and nuclear program has created tension in the region but its leader Kim Jong-Un said in a New Year's speech it was ready to participate at the February 9-25 Pyeongchang Games.
Only two North Korean athletes, a figure skating pair, are officially qualified. They have missed the registration deadline but the IOC spokesperson said they would be welcomed.
"We have kept the door open by extending the deadline for registration, and by offering support to North Korean athletes in the qualification process, whilst always respecting United Nations sanctions," the spokesperson said.
"The IOC will at very short notice continue its talks with all the parties concerned so that we can take the necessary decisions about participation and the format of any participation in due time.
"With regard to the very particular situation on the Korean peninsula we need the political commitment from all parties concerned to make such a participation possible. Once this political commitment is clear the IOC will take the final decision."
