South Korea’s bid to join the Organization for the Cooperation of Railways (OSJD) failed on Thursday due to North Korea’s opposition, Voice of America has reported.

According to Seoul’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, its entry bid was placed on the agenda at the opening of the 43rd ministerial meeting of the OSJD in the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar but Pyongyang’s opposition prevented its passage. Unanimous approval from all existing members is required for a new member to join.

The North also blocked the South’s attempt at joining the organization in 2003.

The OSJD’s members include not only