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The South Korean alpine town will host Asia's first Winter
Olympics outside of Japan in less than three year's time.
Relations with volatile North Korea are often strained and
tension between Seoul and Pyongyang has been rising recently
after two South Korean soldiers were injured by a landmine in
the heavily-fortified demilitarized zone, which has divided the
two Koreas since the end of their 1950-53 war.
"Security is a top priority for the Olympic Games," Bach told
reporters at a news conference in Seoul.
"Unfortunately, we are living in a world where every big event,
be it sport or otherwise, has challenges with regard to
security. So do the Olympic Games."
Bach said he was confident South Korea's security forces would
coordinate closely with other countries' authorities to do
"everything in their power to protect the athletes and the
Olympic Games".
Bach, who will next travel to Beijing for the start of the
athletics world championships on Aug. 22, praised Pyeongchang
organizers (POCOG) for their progress and said he was impressed
by South Korean President Park Geun-hye's commitment to the
Games.
"We had a very successful visit here in Korea and in Pyeongchang
and I can say that we see preparations for the Olympic Winter
Games 2018 really being on track," the German added.
Concerns about costs and construction setbacks had raised
speculation late last year that some of the events might have to
be moved away from Pyeongchang, perhaps even to Japan.
But preparations are now in full swing, with construction on
venues coming along and major South Korean companies such as
Samsung, Korean Air and LG agreeing to pour in funds to support
the Games.
South Korea's two biggest automakers, Hyundai Motor Co. and its
affiliate Kia Motors Corp, also signed on as sponsors this week,
providing vehicles and pumping in cash to help with the running
of the multi-sports event.
(Writing by Peter Rutherford; Editing by John O'Brien)
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