(Xinhua/Agencies)
Updated: 2007-10-03 10:07

Pyongyang - Republic of Korea's President Roh Moo-hyun and top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Il started their formal summit meeting in Pyongyang Wednesday morning, the first of its kind in seven years.

ROK President Roh Moo-hyun (L) and DPRK leader Kim Jong-il shake hands at the inter-Korean summit in Pyongyang, October 3, 2007. [Agencies]

The talks, which began at around 9:30 am (0030 GMT) at the Paekhwawon State Guest House, are expected to focus on promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula, economic cooperation, denuclearization and reunification.

The two are expected to hold another round of talks in the afternoon and will likely issue a joint statement or a declaration of peace Wednesday night or Thursday morning.

In Seoul, a spokesman for the Presidential Office told reporters that Kim Jong Il and Roh were accompanied by ROK Finance Minister Kwon O-kyu, Unification Minister Lee Jae-joung, Director of the National Intelligence Service Kim Man-bok and the DPRK's Director of the United Front Department of the Workers' Party, Kim Yang-gon, in the meeting Wednesday morning.

The spokesman did not give further details about the gathering.

According to the spokesman, Roh and Kim will plant a tree at the central arboretum of Pyongyang Wednesday afternoon and watch a mass dance and musical spectacle, the Arirang, later in the day. The event features synchronized maneuvers by thousands of dancers and giant flip-card mosaic.

The two sides will hold working-group meetings Wednesday to explore ways of strengthening bilateral cooperation in seven areas, including economy, culture, religion and politics, said the spokesman.

Growing economic cooperation has been a highlight of the warming relations between the North and South since the first inter-Korea summit. Joint projects have been launched in tourism, industry and other fields, including tours of Mt. Kumgang and the industrial zone in the North's border city of Kaesong.

South Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun and his wife Kwon Yang-sook walk toward the border line as they head for North Korea in Paju, north of Seoul, October 2, 2007.[Agencies]

Roh traveled some 200 km overland to Pyongyang Tuesday and walked across the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) that separates the South and North to dramatize his efforts for reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula.

The ROK president is also scheduled to visit some industrial sites Thursday before wrapping up his three-day visit.

Roh thus became the first leader from ROK to walk on foot across the border, which symbolizes more than half a century of estrangement since the 1950-53 Korean War.

His predecessor, Kim Dae-jung, traveled to the DPRK by air for the first inter-Korean summit in June 2000.

After they crossed the border, Roh and his wife were greeted with flowers by local girls in national costume before they continued their trip.

Right before the highly symbolic border crossing, Roh said he will make efforts to bring about peace and prosperity on the peninsula. "I can see nothing around here. But this (invisible) border has been a barrier separating the Korean people for the past half a century," he said.

"The Korean people have suffered too much pain because of this border. I will work hard to pave the way for peace and prosperity."

After the emotional speech, Roh, first lady Kwon Yang-suk and some other ROK officials walked about 30 meters to cross the border, which was established as the ceasefire line at the end of the Korean War.

Roh's entourage includes 18 business leaders, 21 social and cultural dignitaries.