The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has extended the deadline for registration of North Korean athletes for next month’s Pyeongchang winter Olympics in South Korea, and is planning more talks with all sides.

The IOC, which is eager to have North Korean athletes at the games, did not say when the registration deadline had been extended until, but most sports have completed their Olympic qualifying events.

Only a figure skating pair from North Korea has secured a spot in the games in South Korea in February, although several other athletes could qualify through special places offered by the Olympic body.

South Korea offered talks with north Korea this week, amid a tense standoff over Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs, after north Korean leader Kim Jong un said in a new year’s day speech that he was “open to dialogue” with Seoul.