OLYMPIC

Olympic

IOC President Thomas Bach was in the North Korean capital Pyongyang on Friday for meetings with political and sports leaders (Supreme Leader Kim Jong).

Following an extensive “four eyes” meeting with Kim Jong-un, it was confirmed that the country is committed to its athletes competing at the  Tokyo 2020 and the Winter Games Beijing 2022, as well as the Summer Youth Games Buenos Aires 2018 and the Winter Youth Games Lausanne 2020.

The Supreme Leader also praised President Bach and the IOC for the role they had played in mediating and bringing about an agreement for the participation of the NOC of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the Winter Games PyeongChang 2018.

During the visit, which came at the invitation of the DPRK NOC, President Bach expressed his appreciation for the participation of the DPRK NOC athletes at the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018.

“In particular, the joint march sent a strong message of peace,” President Bach said.

“Now, on the political level, the discussions can continue in the Olympic spirit of understanding and peace.

We will continue to accompany this political dialogue through sport, by helping athletes to prepare for and compete in future editions of the Olympic Games,” he said.