DPRK announces result of working-level talks with S. Korea

PYONGYANG, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea announced Monday night the result of its working level talks with South Korea for the dispatch of its art troupe to the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

The talks, held Monday at the Thongil House in Panmunjom, were attended by members of the north side's delegation led by Kwon Hook Bong, department director of the Ministry of Culture, and members of the south side's delegation led by Ri U Song, section head of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

"At the talks both sides had a sincere discussion on the practical matters related to the performances by the north side's art troupe to be dispatched to the south side's area with the 23rd Winter Olympics as an occasion and adopted a joint press release," said the KCNA.

The report quoted the press release as saying that Pyongyang will dispatch its art troupe comprised of more than 140 members to South Korea and give its performances in Kangrung and Seoul.

It said technical matters on the performances will be settled through consultation with South Korea and Pyongyang will send a field survey delegation as early as possible.

"The south side will ensure the safety and convenience of the north side's art troupe to the maximum," the report said.

This was the second time for the DPRK and South Korea to hold talks at the truce village of Panmunjom, after they held their first high-level meeting on Jan. 9 in about two years.

The two sides have agreed to cooperate in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and take measures to ease military tension on the Korean Peninsula. Enditem