Olympic flame arrives in DPRK

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 04-28-2008 08:40

The Beijing Olympic flame has arrived in Pyongyang, the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, for the 18th leg of its global torch relay. The relay will start in just under an hour.

Li Binghua, Executive Vice President of the Beijing Organizing  Committee of Olympic Games (BOCOG) and Chinese ambassador to  DPRK Liu Xiaoming carry the lantern of the Flame when the Olymic  flame arrives in Pyongyang on April 28.(Xinhua Photo)

Li Binghua, BOCOG's Executive Vice President along with Chinese ambassador to the DPRK, Liu Xiaoming, carried the the flame off the plane Sunday night.

They were welcomed by the DPRK Chairman of the National Olympic Committee Pak Hak Seon and first vice-Chairman of the People's Committee of Pyongyang, Pak Pyong Jong.

Chinese in the DPRK welcome the arrival of the Olympic flame  at the airport on April 28.(Xinhua Photo)

Almost 1,000 Koreans and overseas Chinese students greeted the flame.

During a news conference Sunday, torchbearers expressed their best wishes for the global torch relay and the the Beijing Olympics.

A DPRK torchbearer said, "I'm sure this summer's Beijing Olympic Games will be successful and the Games will be run in accordance with the Olympic Spirit."

A DPRK torchbearer said, "I believe the torch relay and the Beijing Olympic games will further improve the relationship between China and the DPRK."

Eighty torchbearers will take part in the 20 kilometer relay which starts Monday morning at the Tower of the Juche Idea and will finish at Kim Il Sung Stadium.

Editor:Zhang Ning