The two Koreas have begun working-level discussions at the truce village of Panmunjeom regarding North Korea’s participation in the Incheon Asian Games in September. 
 
The South's secretary general of the Incheon Asian Games Organizing Committee, Kwon Kyung-sang, and the North’s Olympic Committee vice-chairman, Son Kwang-ho, began the meeting at around 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

The two sides held an 80-minute session in the morning. At 3:30 p.m. they were yet to hold their afternoon meeting.
 
Seoul's chief delegate Kwon told reporters before departing to the truce village that he would "calmly and sincerely" engage in discussions with his North Korean counterpart for the successful hosting of the Incheon Games.
 
The meeting marks the first time sports officials from the two Koreas have held working-level discussions since the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
 
The two sides are expected to discuss a range of issues, including the size of the North’s team and cheering squad, as well as transportation and expenses for the North Korean delegation’s stay.
 
North Korea will likely propose to expand the number of its designated athletes, which currently is said to stand at roughly 150, and send a large cheering squad. The North could also request the two Koreas make a joint entry and a joint cheering team at the Asian Games, as well as create unified teams for some sports events, including table tennis.  
 
Given South Korean officials’ previous comments, it is likely the South will say the North should send an appropriate size of athletes and cheering squad, while vowing to provide support in line with international practices. The South is also expected to say it would be difficult to form unified teams or to hold joint cheering at the Asian Games.