North Korea ready to send athletes to Winter Olympics

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has indicated that the country is prepared to send athletes to the Winter Olympics in South Korea.

"We sincerely hope that the Winter Olympics will be a success," the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un told the nation in his New Year message. Source: AAP

North Korea's leader said on Monday during his New Year's Day address that his country is willing to send a delegation of athletes to the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang in South Korea.

"The Winter Games to be held in South Korea will be a good occasion for the country. We sincerely hope that the Winter Olympics will be a success. We have readiness to take various steps, including the dispatch of the delegation," Kim Jong-un said, the South Korean news agency Yonhap reported.

Kim said that Pyongyang is open to talks with Seoul to discuss its participation in the games.

"This year marks the 70th anniversary of the North Korean regime's establishment, and the South will host the Winter Games. This year holds significance for the two Koreas," he added.

The remarks by the North Korean leader were the first time the isolated Asian country has made an official statement regarding its willingness to participate in the games, which will take place between February 9 and 25, while the Paralympics will be held in the same city from March 9 to 18.