“North and South Korean Olympic Participation Meeting”: IOC begins talks in Lausanne to “build bridges”
The delegations from the PyeongChang 2018 Organising Committee and the NOCs of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), all led by their respective presidents, as well as high-ranking government officials and the IOC Members in both countries, are now holding a four-party meeting at the IOC Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The IOC has convened the meeting, chaired by the IOC President, Thomas Bach, to decide on the participation of athletes from the National Olympic Committee of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea at the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 and potential joint activities with the delegation of the NOC of the Republic of Korea (ROK).
In his opening remarks, the IOC President said: “Today is a great moment for the Olympic Movement, because the Olympic spirit has brought us all together. The Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 have opened the door for peaceful dialogue on the Korean peninsula. Our meeting today shows that Olympic sport always builds bridges.”
Click here to read the full opening remarks by the IOC President
A series of essential decisions will have to be taken during the meeting, including the number and names of athletes and officials from the NOC of the DPRK, since all the deadlines for registration have already passed. The IOC will also have to decide on the format of such participation, including questions related to the official protocol (flag, anthem, ceremonies, uniform, etc.).
The IOC President will give a statement at the Olympic Museum after the meeting.