A basketball delegation from DPR Korea arrived in Seoul on the afternoon of December 22 to participate in the " Basketball Game for Reunification".

The delegation of the Korean Asia-Pacific Peace Committee (KAPPC) led by vice-chairman Song Ho Gyong was met at Kimpho airport by Hyundai president Jong Mong Hon and officials concerned, as children hung garlands around his neck and cager Ri Myong Hun.

In his arrival speech, Song noted that the basketball delegation has come to Seoul at the invitation of Jong Ju Yong, honorary president of the Hyundai business group.

He conveyed warm compatriotic regards of people in the north to Seoul citizens and all other fellow countrymen in the south.

Song said that "today when a new millennium is at hand we should get reconciled and united with each other and open the door of reunification by the united efforts of the nation.

"The basketball game for reunification to be held amid the great expectation and concern of all the fellow countrymen at home and abroad, will be greatly helpful to creating a favourable atmosphere for national reconciliation and unity and accelerating the reunification of the country.

"The delegation will do its utmost to use the basketball game with the Hyundai business group as an occasion of further strengthening cooperation among the fellow countrymen and promoting national harmony and unity, not an occasion for competition."