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President Jacob Zuma has extended a warm personal welcome to members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other officials and guests who have begun to arrive in South Africa for the 123rd IOC Session (or annual meeting) taking place in Durban from July 4 to 9.

The 123rd IOC Session will take decisions on key policy issues and will, among other activities, elect the host city for the 2018 Olympic Winter Games from the candidate cities of Munich (Germany), Annecy (France) and PyeongChang (South Korea).

“We are pleased to welcome the Olympic movement to South Africa for the first IOC Session to be held on the Continent. It is an honour for us to host this historic meeting,’’ said President Zuma.

“A special welcome is extended to the Heads of State and Government who have indicated their attendance. It is particularly special for us to welcome the newly-weds HSH Prince Albert and HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco to Princess Charlene’s home country on the occasion of the IOC Session in which Prince Albert will participate as an IOC member. We continue to treasure the pride Princess Charlene brought to South Africa as an Olympic swimmer. We recognise that the Olympic movement played an important role as part of the international solidarity movement and pressure that led to South Africa’s transition to democracy in the Nineties. Since then, thousands of South Africans have actively participated in Olympic sports at all levels, and participated in Olympic competitions. Our host city of Durban is ready to offer the IOC a memorable and productive visit to South Africa. We wish the IOC well in its deliberations and offer our congratulations and best wishes to the three candidate cities for the 2018 Winter Games,” said President Zuma.

The President will host a welcome luncheon on the 5th and will also officiate in the opening ceremony that same evening.