The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy said Wednesday that South Korea will file an application in May with the board of the International Energy Agency (IEA) for its accession to the body.

The ministry said that joining the Paris-based organization will help the country deal with high oil prices and strengthen its international cooperation regarding energy technologies.

Members of the international energy forum take joint measures to meet oil supply emergencies, share energy information, coordinate energy policies and cooperate in the development of rational energy programs.

The country meets IEA membership requirements as it holds 90-days-worth of oil reserves. Ministry officials said the 25-member body asked South Korea, the world's fourth largest oil consumer, to gain membership.

A ministry official said that the IEA membership will give S. Korea a boost in taking concerted measures with advanced countries against the high-handed policies of oil-producing countries.