South Africa's Sam Ramsamy, who is also a member of the IOC, revealed that Lee will be attending the event that is due to begin on July 4 with the vote to decide which city should host the Games scheduled for July 6.

German President Christian Wulff will also be present to lobby for Munich at the Session, but it was still unclear if French President Nicolas Sarkozy would attend to back the Annecy bid.

"Pyeongchang's bid...is a national priority and we are delighted that our delegation in Durban will be led by South Korean President Lee Myung-bak who has shown his absolute support throughout the campaign," Pyeongchang 2018 organisers said.

"Pyeongchang 2018 has total political support and representatives from all levels of Government will be present in Durban to demonstrate their commitment to the bid."

Lee's backing is a huge boost to Pyeongchang's campaign.

He met the IOC Evaluation Commission, headed by Sweden's Gunilla Lindberg, during its visit to Pyeongchang earlier this year.

Last month Lee claimed it would be a "national disgrace" if Pyeongchang were beaten for a third consecutive time having previously narrolwy lost to Vancouver to host the 2014 Winter Olympics and Sochi for 2014.

Lee will spearhead an impressive Korean team that will also include South Korea's Olympic skating champion Kim Yu-Na.

"The cities are expected to bring huge bid delegations and the winning host city will be elected in a secret IOC ballot on July 6," said Ramsamy.

"We have already had confirmation that German and South Korean Presidents are also expected to be in Durban to support their country's bids.

"This event is the biggest biannual meeting of leaders in global sport.

"Having been born in Durban, this is indeed a great delight and honour that we can host such a high profile event in this city.

"In the 117 years of the IOC, this event has never been hosted in Africa.

"To host this event in our country and knowing how cities and countries vie to host the IOC Session, Durban is certainly fortunate.

"This gives me an opportunity to personally welcome my colleagues to the city where I was born."

Durban Mayor designate James Nxumalo also claimed that the event would be of huge significance to the city.

"This event is going to be huge for our city and it's really exciting," he said.

"We are delight to host this prestigious IOC meeting and all the leaders and royalty that will come along and get the international spotlight on Durban."

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