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DPRK Leader Hopes Future Talks Can Resolve Pending Issues
Kim Jong Il, leader of DPRK, said Tuesday that his first meeting with South Korean President Kim Dae-jung has set up a good precedence which will serve as future references in settling all unresolved issues between the North and South.
Kim Jong Il made the remarks during his first brief meeting, which lasted for 27 minutes Tuesday afternoon, with visiting South Korean President Kim Dae-jung at the Paekhwawon State Guest House in Pyongyang, according to pool reports from the Korean Press Corps.
The DPRK leader told Kim Dae-jung that the North side has made careful preparations for the welcoming ceremony for President Kim, adding that the people of Pyongyang are informed of the routes of President Kim Dae-jung's motorcade.
Kim Jong Il went to the airport to greet President Kim upon his arrival at the Sun'an Airport in Pyongyang.
He said that the people of the North "whole-heartedly welcome President Kim Dae-jung's visit." Describing Kim Dae-jung's visit as a "brave act," Kim Jong Il said "we are of the same Chosun (Korea) people." The people of the North "have no reason not to welcome President Kim Dae-jung's visit."
An estimated 600,000 people lined the 10 kilometer-route from Sun'an Airport to the State Guest House to greet President Kim Dae-jung and his entourage.
"The day of June 13 will go down in history for ever," Kim Jong Il said.
Kim Dae-jung said in reply, "From now on, let's make history together."
The South Korean president said he felt strong emotions at the warm welcome scenes earlier in the day and expressed his "whole-hearted appreciation" to Kim Jong Il and his people. He also said that Kim Jong Il's presence at the airport indeed gave him a touch of "the North's sincerity."
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