The President of the Republic of Korea, Moon Jae-in, and the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, had 'friendly' and 'very fruitful' talks at the Blue House today.
The discussions centred on preparations for the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018. The two leaders agreed that the preparations are going very well, and that the stage is set for very successful Olympic Winter Games 2018.
President Moon said, "I will continue to give my full support to the PyeongChang Organising Committee. We are all looking forward to welcoming the best athletes of the world to a friendly and safe environment in the very best traditions of Korean hospitality."
Speaking for the IOC, President Bach confirmed that, "the test events have been very successful, and I have great confidence in the PyeongChang Organising Committee to deliver successful Olympic Winter Games."
The two leaders agreed that they expect a high number of National Olympic Committees from winter sports countries to take part in the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018.
The IOC sent invitations to take part in the Games to National Olympic Committees, including the National Olympic Committee of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), already in February of this year.
Furthermore, the IOC is also supporting a number of athletes from the DPRK to assist them to qualify.
"The Olympic Winter Games can greatly assist in the reconciliation and cooperation between the two Koreas and peace on the Korean peninsula," said President Moon.
President Bach added, "the IOC appreciates very much President Moon’s vision of how the Olympic Games can support dialogue and reconciliation on the Korean peninsula and beyond. We can look forward to excellent Olympic Winter Games from Korea to the world".
The two leaders agreed to cooperate closely with regard to the further preparations including the participation of athletes of the NOC of DPRK, and its modalities.
For more information, please contact:
IOC Media Relations Team:
Tel: +41 21 621 6000
Email: pressoffice@olympic.org
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