In their inaugural talks that wrapped up Friday, the sports ministers of South Korea, China and Japan "laid the groundwork for successful hosting of upcoming Olympic Games in the region," according to YONHAP. After their two-day meeting in PyeongChang, the three ministers -- Cho Yoon-sun of South Korea, Liu Peng of China and Hirokazu Matsuno of Japan -- produced the "PyeongChang Declaration." It detailed the three countries' efforts to "expand their sports exchange and cooperation, and in the bigger scheme of things, such efforts are ultimately designed to ensure the success of three Olympic Games in Northeast Asia." PyeongChang 2018 will kick off an "unprecedented cycle of three consecutive Olympic Games on the continent." Tokyo will follow with the 2020 Summer Olympics, and Beijing will stage the 2022 Winter Games. The significance of holding three straight Olympic Games was not "lost on the sports minsters here." Beyond sharing their expertise, the three nations also agreed to create an "Olympic Legacy" that can contribute to the sustainable development of the world. Also in connection with ensuring successful Olympics, the three nations "will seek to become active players in anti-doping efforts" (YONHAP, 9/23). In a separate piece, YONHAP reported IOC President Thomas Bach hailed a "time of Asia" in the Olympic Movement. In his congratulatory speech before the welcome dinner reception, Bach said that the meeting is a "meaningful and very important occasion" that will ensure "a great success" for the upcoming Olympic Games in the region. Bach: "Some scholars have said we're living in the century of Asia, and in Olympic terms, I can confirm that this is the time of Asia. Here on this continent, for the first time in history, you will host three consecutive Olympic Games." He added, "These three Olympic Games in Asia are a unique opportunity for Asia and also for the Olympic Movement" (YONHAP, 9/22).