Bach Plans Post-Games Trip to North Korea

(ATR) The President of the International Olympic Committee is working to determine a convenient date to visit North Korea after the Winter Olympics conclude.

Thomas Bach confirmed to Reuters on Feb. 12 that he will make the rare trip, making good on the invitation extended on Jan. 20 when the two Koreas agreed on a set of Olympic proposals at IOC headquarters in Lausanne.

"All the parties concerned have welcomed this invitation to North Korea," Bach told Reuters. "We are talking about this convenient date in order to continue the dialogue on the sports side. We will see when this is going to happen."

Bach’s trip to North Korea was one of the final items listed in the Olympic participation proposals from North Korea, which also included the fielding of a unified Korean women’s hockey team and the marching under a unified flag at the Opening Ceremony.

All of the proposals are aimed at re-establishing dialogue and friendly relations between North and South Korea, countries that are still technically at war despite a truce signed in 1953.

"We can set the symbols, we can show that it is worthwhile sitting down together discussing, negotiating and that then you can come to a good result," Bach said. "For our side, for the sports side, this dialogue will continue."

Bach Visits the Press

Before Bach can visit North Korea, he must ensure the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics run successfully.

Bach visited the Main Press Center on the afternoon of Feb. 12, trading jabs and uppercuts with the Australian boxing kangaroo while in a jovial mood.

In addition to sparring with the Aussie mascot, Bach said hello to the AFP, Yonhap, Getty, AP, Reuters, Xinhua and DPA agencies, shaking hands and commending journalists for their hard work, amid bitterly cold conditions in PyeongChang.

Bach also exchanged pleasantries with Around the Rings Editor Ed Hula. Pressed by Hula, Bach denied rumors of requesting a rematch with the dancing kangaroo.

Hard-working journalists were also treated Monday in the MPC with green and matcha teas served by women in traditional Korean dress. The exotic Yellow Flower tea was a favorite among the press gathered in Gangneung.

Written by Kevin Nutley and Brian Pinelli

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