1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a briefing session on the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games for the diplomatic corps and foreign companies in the ROK at an international conference room on the third floor of the Foreign Ministry building at 15:00 on October 20.

2. The briefing session was successfully held with about 150 people -- representatives from about 90 diplomatic missions in the ROK of the US, China, Japan, France and other countries with a keen interest in the upcoming Olympics, including Ambassador Michael Shcwarzinger of Winter Olympic powerhouse Austria, and Ambassador of Switzerland Linus Von Castelmur, as well as representatives from the European Chamber of Commerce and fourteen foreign companies, including the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ -- in attendance.

3. The briefing session started with opening remarks by Ambassador for Public Diplomacy Park Enna, which were followed by Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs Lee Do-hoon’s explanations on efforts to manage the situation on the Korean Peninsula in a stable manner; a briefing on preparations for the 2018 Olympics and Paralympics by director-general for international relations Park Yoon-joon of the PyeongChang Organizing Committee for the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games; and a question-and-answer session.

o In her opening remarks, the Ambassador for Public Diplomacy highlighted the ROK government’s efforts and commitment to host the PyeongChang Olympics that embody peace beyond safety. She also explained the international community’s support for the Olympics, including an Olympic truce resolution to be put to a vote at the UN General Assembly on November 13, and expressed hope for active participation of the leaders of countries around the world, the diplomatic corps and businessmen.

o The Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs explained the recent situation on the Korean Peninsula, and said that to manage the situation in a stable manner, the ROK is working together with the international community, including the US, based on strong deterrence against North Korea. He also stressed that the ROK will continue to cooperate with the international community to make the PyeongChang Olympics peaceful and successful ones.

o The director-general for international relations of the PyeongChang Organizing Committee explained preparations for the Olympics in various areas, including match schedules, programs for high-level officials, ways to buy admission tickets, and transportation and accommodation.

o In particular, Ambassador of Austria Shcwarzinger who attended the briefing said in a question-and-answer session that there had been some reports that Austria’s athletes will not participate in the Olympics, but they are not true.

4. The Foreign Ministry will make active diplomatic efforts in various areas in order to continue to garner support from the international community for safe and peaceful PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.


* unofficial translation