The delegation, led by the principle of the Pyongyang University of Physical Education, Kim Hye Gwon, included representatives from both the DPRK Ministry of Physical Culture and Sports and the National Sports Science Association.
At the meeting, there were several key figures from the ROC, including Secretary General Viktor Berezov, Deputy Director General Ekaterina Puntus, Director of the International Relations Department Alexey Slautin and other officials.
“We are happy to welcome our Korean colleagues,” said ROC Secretary General Viktor Berezov. “I am sure that your visit will be productive, and we are ready to assist with any questions that may arise. Last year, the Minister of Sports of Russia and President of the Russian Olympic Committee Michael Degtyarev visited Pyongyang, and I hope this will lead to further cooperation between our countries. It is worth noting that the DPRK employs a similar governance model, where the Minister of Sports also serves as the Head of the National Olympic Committee, a role filled by Kim Il-Guk. We believe this approach is effective.”
Ludmila Barsukova, who leads the Olympic Educational Unit of the Directorate for the ROC Events Organization, informed the DPRK representatives about the ROC ongoing initiatives. She emphasized that, following the direction of President of the Russian Olympic Committee Michael Degtyarev a project session focused on the “Strategic Development of Sports Universities and Olympic Academies” has been successfully conducted this year.
In this country, there are 14 higher education and research institutions focused on physical culture, which have led to the establishment of 12 Olympic academies.
The ROC is actively collaborating with the Russian International Olympic University to implement a variety of educational projects across different levels.
“Thank you for the warm welcome! From our very first day in Russia, we truly felt at home, – Kim Hye Gwon emphasized in his response. “I would like to mention that as part of our sports cooperation plan between Russia and the DPRK, we have organized a variety of events. Russian athletes have visited our country, and in return, athletes from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea have come to your country. The Russian national table tennis team visited the DPRK in September for friendly matches. Soon, we are also expecting the figure skating team to arrive for their upcoming events.”
During the DPRK representatives’ stay at the ROC headquarters, there was a meeting with Lev Belousov, the longtime rector of the Russian International Olympic University. This unique Russian university has been operating for over a decade and has graduated more than 12,500 specialists. During the discussion, the Head of the university shared insights about its infrastructure, the organization of the academic process, and the various programs offered to students.
Belousov mentioned that the university has welcomed students from over 90 countries, including the DPRK. At Kim Hye Gwon’s request, he provided detailed information about the admission requirements for prospective students, which was of significant interest to the Korean delegation.
Along with what was previously mentioned, the Korean delegation visited the ROC Innovation Center Rekordika, where they explored its facilities, learned about its operational principles, and even tested various offerings available. After the visit, both parties have agreed to strengthen and enhance their collaboration moving forward.
