hankyoreh

South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun and first lady Kwon Yang-suk were personally greeted by North Korean leader Kim Jong-il at the North's official welcome ceremony held Tuesday at the April 25 Hall of Culture on the outskirts of Pyongyang.

The dramatic meeting came as the North's reclusive leader made an unscheduled appearance at the ceremony, which was originally to be held at the Monument to Three Charters for National Reunification at the entrance of the capital city.

Roh arrived at the venue of the ceremony riding in an open car along with Kim Yong-nam, North Korea's titular head of state who holds the post of chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly.

Upon leaving the car, Roh shook hands with Kim Jong-il and they inspected an honor guard of North Korean troops together.

After exchanging greetings with each other's key Cabinet ministers and high-ranking aides, Roh left for the Paekhwawon State Guest House, the official accommodation for the president and the first lady, amid a warm welcome from a large number of North Korean citizens lining the streets of Pyongyang.

PYONGYANG, Oct. 2 (Yonhap)