North Korea agrees to hold talks with South Korea

North Korea on Friday accepted South Korea’s offer to hold high-level talks, confirming what will mark the first formal dialogue between the countries in more than two years. South Korea’s Unification Ministry said the North accepted its offer to meet Tuesday at the border village of Panmunjom. South Korean spokesman Baik Tae-hyun said the two nations will exchange messages to determine who will head each delegation, among other issues. South Korea extended the offer ahead of next month’s Winter Olympics after North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un noted during his New Year’s Day address the games could serve as an opportunity for improved relations. The Winter Games will take place in Pyeongchang, South Korea. North Korea’s willingness to hold talks came hours after the United States agreed to delay its annual joint military exercises with South Korea until the games end.