North Korea is to send its highest ranking official for years, to the South amid an easing of tensions during the Winter Olympics.

South's Unification Ministry Kim Yong‑nam, the ceremonial head of state, will lead a 22‑member delegation to the South beginning on Friday.

North and South Korea athletes will march under one flag at the opening ceremony.

The North's participation in the Games is widely seen as a diplomatic manoeuver by Pyong-yang.

An unnamed official from the South's presidential Blue House told the BBC that they believe this reflected a willingness on the part of North Korea to improve inter‑Korean relations, and demonstrated the North's sincerity.

Source: BBC