The presidential office has welcomed the news of North Korea's ceremonial head of state visiting the South for the PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games.

Presidential spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom said Monday that Kim Yong-nam, who is the president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, is the highest-ever ranking North Korean official to come to South Korea. Kim said the move shows the North's sincerity toward the improvement of inter-Korean relations and the success of the PyeongChang Games.

The spokesman said that South Korea would warmly and cordially receive the arrival of the North's high-level delegation, which includes Kim, and it would prepare various opportunities for the South and North's officials to communicate during their stay.

Regarding questions on whether the North's parliamentary chief would meet with the South Korean president, the spokesman said the presidential office is currently discussing what kind of meetings could be held and will announce any decisions as soon as they are made.