President-elect Yoon talks with IOC President Bach... first among international organization heads

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Kim Hyemin and Lee Gimin] President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol will have a private phone call with Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), on the afternoon of the 8th.

On the same day, Bae Hyunjin, spokesperson for the President-elect, held a briefing at the transition office in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, stating, "The call will be made to express gratitude to President Bach, who sent a congratulatory letter on the election victory."

This is the first time President-elect Yoon has spoken with a recipient of an international organization award rather than a national head of state. Spokesperson Bae explained, "It is part of sports diplomacy aimed at fostering sports, culture, arts, and soft power."

He added, "During his candidacy, President-elect Yoon pledged to promote sports to advance Korea as a strong nation in culture and sports. He plans to emphasize the importance of cooperation with the IOC and close collaboration for the successful hosting of the 2024 Gangwon Youth Winter Olympics."

Spokesperson Bae further stated, "We recognize the IOC's role in contributing to world peace through the power of sports that unite humanity and bring peace. As the host country of the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, Korea will fulfill its role as a responsible cultural powerhouse contributing to the IOC's peace efforts."

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