(MENAFN - Daily News Egypt) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has given a first indication that Pyongyang could send a delegation to the 2018 Winter Olympics, which will take place in the South. Kim said authorities €œshould meet in the near future.€Despite mounting tensions in the Korean peninsula over the North€™s nuclear weapons program, the North Korean leader conveyed a rather peaceful message in his New Year€™s speech to the nation.

€œI sincerely hope the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics will be staged successfully,€ said Kim, adding that his country was €œwilling to take necessary measures, including to dispatch our delegation.€

Kim also suggested that both countries should set up a meeting to discuss the prospect of the North Korean team€™s participation in the Games.

€˜We welcome it€™

South Korea€™s Blue House gave a positive response to Kim€™s speech. €œShould the Olympics be staged successfully, it will contribute to peace, not only in the Korean peninsula but in the region and the world as well,€ a statement said.

The Games€™ Organizing Committee has also welcomed Kim€™s message of reconciliation.

€œWe€™ve been preparing for the Olympics under the assumption that the North will eventually take part in the games,€ said Lee Hee-Beom, who heads the committee, while adding that his organization welcomed the idea of having talks with the North.

The 2018 Winter Olympics will take place between February 7 and February 23.

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