President Roh Moo-hyun met Wednesday with officials from Pyeongchang's bid committee for the 2014 Winter Olympics, expressing appreciation for their efforts as they head into the final 50 days before the International Olympic Committee decides on the host city.

During a luncheon at the presidential office, Mr. Roh said that circumstances surrounding Pyeongchang's bid for the winter games have been improving, calling on committee members to do their best to win support.

The president also called for a more sophisticated strategy, and asked the Foreign Ministry and the Pyeongchang bid committee to conduct a detailed analysis of overseas intelligence and deepen strategic cooperation.

Attendees at the luncheon included former Olympic gold medalists and members of the Korean Winter Olympic team.