North Korea has expressed hope to participate in upcoming gymnastics championships in Japan, International Gymnastics Federation President Morinari Watanabe said Saturday.

"I'd like to take the proposal and think about it," Watanabe told Kyodo News at Beijing International Airport after concluding a three-day trip to Pyongyang.

During the trip, North Korea told Watanabe of their intention to participate in the Sep. 27-30 Aeon Cup, an international rhythmic gymnastics competition to be held at Takasaki Arena in Gunma Prefecture.

It was also revealed that North Korea will seek to take part in an international convention to be held in Jeju, South Korea, in November. Watanabe gave North Korean officials a letter from the South Korean gymnastics federation requesting the North's participation in the event.

"I think both the North and South would like to find common ground," he said.

(Watanabe (middle row 3rd from left) poses with North Korean gymnasts in Pyongyang on July 13)

Watanabe was visiting the North Korean capital to exchange views with officials about cooperation toward the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, but revealed that the topic was not discussed during the trip.

The two sides instead agreed to promote exchanges between North Korea and the international community through gymnastics. FIG also plans to send inspection teams to the country's mass games on Sep. 9, and North Korea will work toward holding a governing body meeting in Pyongyang next January.

After taking part in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in South Korea in February, the North has been actively engaged in international sports events.

In March, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach held talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, where he voiced support for the country's participation in the Tokyo Olympics.

Since becoming the first Asian president of the FIG in January last year, the 59-year-old Watanabe has been visiting its member countries and regions.

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