Senior South Korean and North Korean officials will attend an international railway meeting this week, raising hopes of a breakthrough in efforts to cooperate in the field, officials said Sunday.

South Korea will send Vice Minister of Transport Yeo Hyung-koo to the meeting of the Organization for Co-operation between Railways to open in Mongolia on Tuesday. North Korea will be represented by Minister of Railways Jon Kil-su.

In the four-day meeting, the South will push for membership in the OSJD. The North is among 28 member states.

"The issue of South Korea's membership in the OSJD is an agenda item in the upcoming session," Yeo said. "If South Korea joins the organization, it would serve as an important chance for the trans-Korean railway project to gain speed."

The OSJD is tasked with improving the coordination of international rail transport, especially in Asia and Europe.

South Korea has an ambitious goal of linking the Korean Peninsula with China and Europe by railway via the Trans-Siberian Railway and Trans-Chinese Railway projects and connecting the two Koreas will be the first step.

"We are pushing for the trans-Korean train to run from Seoul to Sinuiju and Rajin on the Gyeongui line," a Unification Ministry official said.

But it remains uncertain whether Pyongyang will back Seoul's drive, given their icy ties.

The South's campaign for the OSJD membership requires unanimous support from the existing members.

In 2002, the South's attempt to join the body failed due to the North's opposition.

Officials here said Yeo is expected to encounter Jon during the forthcoming session and deliver Seoul's position directly. (Yonhap)