DPRK to compete in four sports at PyeongChang Winter Olympics

State media of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) reported on Thursday that the country hopes to compete in figure skating, Alpine skiing, ice hockey (with the Republic of Korea (ROK)) and cross-country skiing at next month's PyeongChang Winter Olympics.

The broadcast came a day after the ROK said the two countries had agreed to form their first joint Olympic women's ice hockey team and have their athletes march together during the opening ceremony of PyeongChang Games.

DPRK Olympic officials arrived in Switzerland on Thursday evening, ahead of weekend talks at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne, to finalize Pyongyang's participation in the Games.

The teams of DPRK and South Korea parade together during the opening ceremony of the 2006 Winter Olympic Games. /VCG Photo

DPRK IOC member Chang Ung, who held preliminary talks at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne a week ago, accompanied the delegation. He didn't make any comment upon arrival, only saying "everything [is] fine" when asked about this weekend's meeting.

IOC has said that Saturday's meeting would feature a series of "essential decisions" on the DPRK's participation at the Games that open in Pyeongchang, the ROK on February 9.

(CGTN)