Kim Jong-un meets envoys from South for détente dinner

KIM JONG-UN, North Korea’s reclusive leader, said he wanted to “vigorously advance” national reunification during his first ever meeting with officials from South Korea, providing a further fillip to an ongoing diplomatic détente.

Talks at last night’s dinner were centred on a possible summit between the two nation’s leaders, raising hopes of a breakthrough on the hermit kingdom’s nuclear programme.

A report by the official Korean Central News Agency said Mr Kim also discussed how to ease military tensions in the region.

“Hearing the intention of President Moon Jae In for a summit from the special envoy of the south side, he exchanged views and made a satisfactory agreement,” it said after yesterday’s meeting without detailing what that agreement was.

Mr Moon, the South Korean president, had dispatched Chung Eui-yong, his national security head, and Suh Hoon, his intelligence chief, to lead a 10-member delegation on a two-day trip to the North Korean capital.

Their dinner with Mr Kim marked the first time he had personally met South Korean officials since coming to power in 2011.

The two sides were also expected to discuss how to resume dialogue between the US and North Korea over its nuclear and weapons programme.

It was not known until the delegation landed in the North yesterday whether Kim Jong-un would personally meet them in what would be his first encounter with South Korean officials since coming to power in 2011.

Kim’s dinner invitation was confirmed by South Korea’s presidential office.

The envoys are carrying a letter from Mr Moon to hand to their host.