Jacques Rogge, the president of the International Olympic Committee, has expressed hope that both Koreas will participate in the Beijing Olympics as a single team.

Rogge made the remarks at an international sports conference on Friday, and said he will visit Seoul next week to further express his opinions.

In an interview with the AP news agency Saturday, Rogge reiterated his hope and said there is no technical obstacle to forming a single team, aside from political agreement.

He explained the two Koreas should make a final agreement by early 2007 in order to participate in the 2008 Olympics as a single team.

Rogge will come to Seoul on Monday at the invitation of President Roh Moo-hyun, and discuss with local officials ways to create the unified team.