North Korea expresses interest in Tokyo, Beijing Olympics

Pyongyang [North Korea], Mar 31 (ANI): After participating in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, North Korea would soon take part in the next Olympic events in Japan and China.

Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) met North Korean leader Korea Kim Jong Un on Saturday to express his gratitude for North Korea's contribution in the 23rd Winter Olympics that took place at Pyeongchang, as reported by the North Korean state media Korean Central News Agency.

He expressed his willingness to make sure that the IOC would cooperate with North Korea in the long-term preparation for its participation in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and contribute to the development of sports in North Korea by proactively using the platform of International sporting events.

Kim in return expressed his gratitude towards the IOC's unconditional cooperation with the North Korea during the Olympics event in spite of rough political conditions between the two Koreas.

He further acknowledged that the Olympics event helped to break the ice between the Koreas and paved the way for discussions.

Kim explained the sports policy of North Korea to Bach and expected close contact and cooperation with the IOC to improve the country's prospects in the upcoming events.

Earlier on March 9, North Korea had sent a 20-member delegation to South Korea for participating in the PyeongChang Paralympics event. (ANI)