DPRK workers to play ROK counterparts for fourth time

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01:18

A visiting team of workers from the DPRK held a training session in Seoul, ahead of today's matches with their ROK counterparts.

The contests will mark the first civilian group exchanges since the release of the Panmunjom Declaration, which followed a historic meeting between the leaders of the two countries in April.

The players from the DPRK's Light Industry and Construction Workers team arrived in the South Korean capital early on Friday, to begin a three-day visit.

The 64-person delegation was welcomed by representatives from the ROK labor union, who presented flowers and waved unification flags.

Ju Yong Gil, the DPRK's chairman for the Central Committee of the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea, said today's friendlies are not a competition for victory, but an opportunity to support the goal of unifying the peninsula.

This is the fourth time workers friendlies are being held between the two countries.

South Korea's labor union said the DPRK squad will return home on Sunday.

Meanwhile a pair of under-15 sides from South Korea are currently visiting the DPRK, for a youth football tournament called the Ari Sports Cup.

The two nations also plan to field several joint teams at the Asian Games, after marching together in next weekend's Opening Ceremony.