President-elect Lee Myung-bak has met with a visiting delegation from the International Association of Athletics Federations at his office.

The delegates are in Korea to review the city of Daegu's preparations to host the 2011 World Athletics Championships.

The president-elect said during their Friday visit that the event will greatly advance athletics in Asia. In particular, he cited the cultivation of track-and-field and swim talents as the longtime dream of Korean sports.

He urged the delegates to help rejuvenate Korean athletics even after the Daegu event, noting that Korean swimmers and figure skaters have just begun to make their mark.

IAAF Chairman Lamine Diack responded by pledging support for Daegu's successful hosting, noting that the city won the bid due to strong local support.

Also at the meeting were the association's General Secretary Pierre Weiss, the championship organizing committee chairman and Daegu Mayor Kim Bum-il and committee adviser Yoo Chong-ha.