한국 北협조로 국제철도기구 가입
After years of applying and being turned down, South Korea has finally been given the greenlight to join an influential inter-governmental organization of railway networks.
All made possible after Pyongyang gave its approval.
Our Kwon Jang-ho tells us more.
The Organization for Cooperation between Railways approved South Korea's application for membership on Thursday.
South Korea now joins an organization of railway networks that covers much of East Asia and Eastern Europe, including the Trans-Siberian, Trans-China and Trans-Mongolian Railways.
According to Seoul's transport ministry, the decision was announced at a meeting in Kazakhstan, after a unanimous vote from the 28 member states.
That includes North Korea, who had blocked South Korea's membership since Seoul began applying in 2015.
But it seems the rekindling of relations between the two Koreas has led to Pyongyang to change its stance.
The Panmunjom Declaration signed at the inter-Korean summit in April stated that "the two sides agreed to adopt practical steps towards the connection and modernization of the railways and roads."
Plans to connect the railways have been in the works for more than a decade, with President Moon especially pushing it as a priority, as it could provide further connections to rail networks in China, Russia, and the rest of Europe, helping South Korea cut down on shipping costs and time.
However hopes of catching a train from Busan all the way to London are still a long way off.
Much of the Trans-Korea Railway network needs to be reconnected and renovated at an initial estimated cost of 35-billion U.S. dollars, which includes the Donghae line in the east.
And any such development could violate current UN sanctions on North Korea.
Still, South Korea's membership in the inter-governmental organization opens doors to future possibilities, and shows North Korea's intent to foster better ties.
Kwon Jang-ho, Arirang News.

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