India's minister of state for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-threatens-to-cancel-us-summit-137331">external affairs General VK Singh</a> visited North Korea from May 15-16.

India and North Korea had established diplomatic relations in December, 1973, this year marks the 45th anniversary of relations between the two countries.

The moves comes as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-suspends-talks-with-south-over-military-exercises-warns-on-trump-kim-summit-137211">President Trump is due to meet</a> North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore next month. Kim had met South&nbsp;Korean president&nbsp;&nbsp;Moon Jae-in along the DMZ last month and had announced moves to "denuclearize" his country.&nbsp;

During the visit, VK Singh held discussions with the Kim Yong Dae, vice-president of the praesidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, Ri Yong Ho and foreign minister Pak Chun Nam.

India's external affairs minister also met with North Korea's minister of culture and vice foreign minister and discussed a range of issues covering political, regional, economic, educational and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

The North Korean side provided an overview of some of the recent developments in the Korean Peninsula, sources said.

On his part, VK Singh reiterated India’s support to the joint peace initiative between North and South Korea encouraging both sides for their efforts towards establishment of peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.&nbsp;

VK Singh also highlighted the threat from nuclear proliferation, in particular, India's concern in the context of the proliferation linkages with India's neighbourhood, sources added.

The North Korean side emphasized that "as a friendly country it will never allow any action that would create concerns for India's security."

The North Korean side provided an overview of some of the recent developments in the Korean Peninsula, sources said.

India's minister of state for external affairs General VK Singh visited North Korea from May 15-16. India and North Korea had established diplomatic relations in December, 1973, this year marks the 45th anniversary of relations between the two countries. The moves comes as President Trump is due to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore next month. Kim had met South Korean president Moon Jae-in along the DMZ last month and had announced moves to "denuclearize" his country. During the visit, VK Singh held discussions with the Kim Yong Dae, vice-president of the praesidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, Ri Yong Ho and foreign minister Pak Chun Nam. India's external affairs minister also met with North Korea's minister of culture and vice foreign minister and discussed a range of issues covering political, regional, economic, educational and cultural cooperation between the two countries. The North Korean side provided an overview of some of the recent developments in the Korean Peninsula, sources said. On his part, VK Singh reiterated India’s support to the joint peace initiative between North and South Korea encouraging both sides for their efforts towards establishment of peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula. VK Singh also highlighted the threat from nuclear proliferation, in particular, India's concern in the context of the proliferation linkages with India's neighbourhood, sources added. The North Korean side emphasized that "as a friendly country it will never allow any action that would create concerns for India's security."

In a first, India's minister VK Singh visits North Korea, meets top officials

North Korea will never completely give up its nuclear weapons, a top defector said ahead of leader Kim Jong Un's landmark summit with US President Donald Trump next month.

The current whirlwind of diplomacy and negotiations will not end with "a sincere and complete disarmament" but with "a reduced North Korean nuclear threat", said Thae Yong-ho, who fled his post as the North's deputy ambassador to Britain in August 2016.

"In the end, North Korea will remain 'a nuclear power packaged as a non-nuclear state'," Thae told the South's Newsis news agency.

His remarks come ahead of an unprecedented summit between Kim and Trump in Singapore on June 12 where North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes are expected to dominate the agenda.

North and South Korea affirmed their commitment to the goal of denuclearisation of the peninsula at summit last month, and Pyongyang announced at the weekend it will destroy its only known nuclear test site next week.

But it has not made public what concessions it is offering.

Washington is seeking the "complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation (CVID)" of the North and stresses that verification will be key.

Pyongyang has said it does not need nuclear weapons if the security of its regime is guaranteed.

But Thae, one of the highest ranking officials to have defected in recent years, said: "North Korea will argue that the process of nuclear disarmament will lead to the collapse of North Korea and oppose CVID."

The North wanted to ensure Kim's "absolute power" and its model of hereditary succession, he added, and would oppose intrusive inspections as they "would be viewed as a process of breaking down Kim Jong Un's absolute power in front of the eyes of ordinary North Koreans and elites".

At a party meeting last month when Kim proclaimed the development of the North's nuclear force complete and promised no more nuclear or missile tests, he called its arsenal "a powerful treasured sword for defending peace".

"Giving it up soon after Kim Jong Un himself labelled it the 'treasured sword for defending peace' and a firm guarantee for the future? It can never happen," Thae said.

In his memoir that hit shelves Monday, Thae added: "More people should realise that North Korea is desperately clinging to its nuclear programme more than anything."

Tensions on and around the peninsula had been mounting for years as Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes saw it subjected to multiple rounds of increasingly strict sanctions by the UN Security Council, the US, EU, South Korea and others.

Trump last year threatened the North with "fire and fury".

But since the Winter Olympics in the South, Pyongyang and Washington have agreed to the unprecedented Singapore meeting.

Kim has also twice visited China after not paying his respects to President Xi Jinping in the six years since he inherited power from his father, and met the South's President Moon Jae-in in the Demilitarized Zone that divides their countries.

North Korea's sudden change in attitude was probably driven by the mounting international sanctions imposed over its weapons programmes that had begun to take a toll on the livelihoods of ordinary citizens, Thae said.

As of last year the UN Security Council sanctions included measures on sectors such as coal, fish, textiles and overseas workers.

"North Korea did not foresee the destructive power of these sanctions," Thae told the interview. "These sanctions are threatening the livelihoods of millions of North Koreans at the root."

But Pyongyang had a long history of making overtures that ultimately came to nothing, he warned.

"North Korea's diplomacy has always been a repeat of hardline and appeasement," Thae said.

"It is North Korea's diplomatic tactic to push the situatio

North Korea will never give up its nuclear weapons, a top defector said ahead of Kim Jong Un's landmark summit with US President Donald Trump

North Korea will never completely give up its nuclear weapons, a top defector said ahead of leader Kim Jong Un's landmark summit with US President Donald Trump next month. The current whirlwind of diplomacy and negotiations will not end with "a sincere and complete disarmament" but with "a reduced North Korean nuclear threat", said Thae Yong-ho, who fled his post as the North's deputy ambassador to Britain in August 2016. "In the end, North Korea will remain 'a nuclear power packaged as a non-nuclear state'," Thae told the South's Newsis news agency. His remarks come ahead of an unprecedented summit between Kim and Trump in Singapore on June 12 where North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes are expected to dominate the agenda. North and South Korea affirmed their commitment to the goal of denuclearisation of the peninsula at summit last month, and Pyongyang announced at the weekend it will destroy its only known nuclear test site next week. But it has not made public what concessions it is offering. Washington is seeking the "complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation (CVID)" of the North and stresses that verification will be key. Pyongyang has said it does not need nuclear weapons if the security of its regime is guaranteed. But Thae, one of the highest ranking officials to have defected in recent years, said: "North Korea will argue that the process of nuclear disarmament will lead to the collapse of North Korea and oppose CVID." The North wanted to ensure Kim's "absolute power" and its model of hereditary succession, he added, and would oppose intrusive inspections as they "would be viewed as a process of breaking down Kim Jong Un's absolute power in front of the eyes of ordinary North Koreans and elites". At a party meeting last month when Kim proclaimed the development of the North's nuclear force complete and promised no more nuclear or missile tests, he called its arsenal "a powerful treasured sword for defending peace". "Giving it up soon after Kim Jong Un himself labelled it the 'treasured sword for defending peace' and a firm guarantee for the future? It can never happen," Thae said. In his memoir that hit shelves Monday, Thae added: "More people should realise that North Korea is desperately clinging to its nuclear programme more than anything." Tensions on and around the peninsula had been mounting for years as Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes saw it subjected to multiple rounds of increasingly strict sanctions by the UN Security Council, the US, EU, South Korea and others. Trump last year threatened the North with "fire and fury". But since the Winter Olympics in the South, Pyongyang and Washington have agreed to the unprecedented Singapore meeting. Kim has also twice visited China after not paying his respects to President Xi Jinping in the six years since he inherited power from his father, and met the South's President Moon Jae-in in the Demilitarized Zone that divides their countries. North Korea's sudden change in attitude was probably driven by the mounting international sanctions imposed over its weapons programmes that had begun to take a toll on the livelihoods of ordinary citizens, Thae said. As of last year the UN Security Council sanctions included measures on sectors such as coal, fish, textiles and overseas workers. "North Korea did not foresee the destructive power of these sanctions," Thae told the interview. "These sanctions are threatening the livelihoods of millions of North Koreans at the root." But Pyongyang had a long history of making overtures that ultimately came to nothing, he warned. "North Korea's diplomacy has always been a repeat of hardline and appeasement," Thae said. "It is North Korea's diplomatic tactic to push the situatio

North Korea will never fully give up nuclear weapons: Top defector

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/exit-poll-fractured-mandate-hung-assembly-likely-in-karnataka-136419">Exit poll: Hung assembly likely in Karnataka, BJP has </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/exit-poll-fractured-mandate-hung-assembly-likely-in-karnataka-136419">slight</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/exit-poll-fractured-mandate-hung-assembly-likely-in-karnataka-136419"> edge</a>

The maha exit poll conducted by Zee News shortly after the polling ended on Saturday predicted a hung assembly in Karnataka with no political party winning a clear majority in the 225-member assembly. According to the Zee Maha exit poll, BJP is likely to win 102 seats, Congress 92, JD-S 26 and others, including independents, 2.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/one-dead-4-injured-after-knife-attack-in-paris-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-136433">One dead, 4 injured after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/one-dead-4-injured-after-knife-attack-in-paris-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-136433">knife</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/one-dead-4-injured-after-knife-attack-in-paris-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-136433"> attack in Paris. Islamic State claims responsibility</a>

A knifeman shouting "Allahu akbar" was shot dead by police in central Paris late Saturday after he killed one person and injured four, prompting a terror probe.

The attack took place near the city's main opera house in an area full of bars, restaurants and theatres which were brimming on a weekend night.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-at-least-two-dead-13-injured-after-bomb-attacks-on-churches-136435">Indonesia: At least two dead, 13 injured after bomb attacks on churches</a>

At least two people have been killed and 13 injured, AFP reported Sunday, in bomb attacks on churches in Indonesia.&nbsp;

The attacks took place in Surabaya, the country's second-biggest city.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-stops-us-diplomat-involved-in-accident-from-leaving-country-136437">Pakistan stops US diplomat involved in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-stops-us-diplomat-involved-in-accident-from-leaving-country-136437">accident</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-stops-us-diplomat-involved-in-accident-from-leaving-country-136437"> from leaving </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-stops-us-diplomat-involved-in-accident-from-leaving-country-136437">country</a>

A US diplomat involved in a fatal road accident in Pakistan was not allowed to leave the country Saturday, officials said, a day after Islamabad imposed "reciprocal" restrictions on the movement of American envoys after Washington took similar measures.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/very-smart-and-gracious-gesture-trump-thanks-north-korea-for-promising-to-destroy-nuclear-test-site-136434">'Gracious gesture!' Trump thanks North Korea for promising to destroy nuclear test site</a>

US President Donald Trump thanked North Korea Saturday for promising to destroy its nuclear test site.&nbsp;

North Korean state media had reported earlier that the country was "taking technical measures" to dismantle its test site.&nbsp;

Read the five big stories of the day here

Exit poll: Hung assembly likely in Karnataka, BJP has slight edge The maha exit poll conducted by Zee News shortly after the polling ended on Saturday predicted a hung assembly in Karnataka with no political party winning a clear majority in the 225-member assembly. According to the Zee Maha exit poll, BJP is likely to win 102 seats, Congress 92, JD-S 26 and others, including independents, 2. One dead, 4 injured after knife attack in Paris. Islamic State claims responsibility A knifeman shouting "Allahu akbar" was shot dead by police in central Paris late Saturday after he killed one person and injured four, prompting a terror probe. The attack took place near the city's main opera house in an area full of bars, restaurants and theatres which were brimming on a weekend night. Indonesia: At least two dead, 13 injured after bomb attacks on churches At least two people have been killed and 13 injured, AFP reported Sunday, in bomb attacks on churches in Indonesia. The attacks took place in Surabaya, the country's second-biggest city. Pakistan stops US diplomat involved in accident from leaving country A US diplomat involved in a fatal road accident in Pakistan was not allowed to leave the country Saturday, officials said, a day after Islamabad imposed "reciprocal" restrictions on the movement of American envoys after Washington took similar measures. 'Gracious gesture!' Trump thanks North Korea for promising to destroy nuclear test site US President Donald Trump thanked North Korea Saturday for promising to destroy its nuclear test site. North Korean state media had reported earlier that the country was "taking technical measures" to dismantle its test site.

News brief: Big stories of the day

US President Donald Trump thanked North Korea Saturday for promising to dismantle its nuclear test site.&nbsp;

North Korean state media had reported earlier that the country was "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-taking-measures-to-dismantle-nuclear-site-136388">taking technical measures</a>" to dismantle its test site.&nbsp;

"North Korea has announced that they will dismantle Nuclear Test Site this month, ahead of the big Summit Meeting on June 12th," Trump tweeted.

"Thank you, a very smart and gracious gesture!"&nbsp;

Trump will be meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un in Singapore on June 12.

The meeting is unprecedented. No American President has ever met with a North Korean leader while in office.&nbsp;

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North Korea has announced that they will dismantle Nuclear Test Site this month, ahead of the big Summit Meeting on June 12th. Thank you, a very smart and gracious gesture!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/995410516129538048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

North Korean state media had reported earlier that the country was 'taking technical measures' to dismantle its test site

US President Donald Trump thanked North Korea Saturday for promising to dismantle its nuclear test site. North Korean state media had reported earlier that the country was "taking technical measures" to dismantle its test site. "North Korea has announced that they will dismantle Nuclear Test Site this month, ahead of the big Summit Meeting on June 12th," Trump tweeted. "Thank you, a very smart and gracious gesture!" Trump will be meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un in Singapore on June 12. The meeting is unprecedented. No American President has ever met with a North Korean leader while in office. North Korea has announced that they will dismantle Nuclear Test Site this month, ahead of the big Summit Meeting on June 12th. Thank you, a very smart and gracious gesture! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 12, 2018 ×

'Gracious gesture!' Trump thanks North Korea for promising to dismantle nuclear test site

US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced his historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will take place in Singapore on June 12.

"We will both try to make it a very special moment for World Peace!" Trump said in a tweeted announcement.

The location and date of the summit -- the first ever between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader -- were revealed hours after three American prisoners were released by North Korea and arrived back in the United States.

Officials said that step removed the last major obstacle to the nuclear-focused summit, providing Trump with tangible evidence that his policy of engagement was reaping rewards.

The small Southeast Asian city state of Singapore has long acted as a bridge between the United States and China.&nbsp;

The Trump-Kim summit has no precedent in US-North Korean relations. No US president has met with his North Korean counterpart while in office.

Despite the optimism of that moment, a deal to limit North Korea's nuclear program ultimately failed.

A decade on, the nuclear threat with North Korea has only grown, with the country believed to be on the cusp of developing intercontinental ballistic missile that could deliver a nuclear warhead to the continental United States.

Trump has vowed that he will not let that happen and has demanded that North Korea give up its nukes.

So far the regime has not indicated it is willing to do that. Hardliners are likely see possession of a nuke as the only guarantee against US-led efforts to topple the regime.

Pyongyang has yet to indicate its price for any move toward denuclearization and may yet demand US troops withdraw from South Korea as a quid pro quo.

That complex strategic puzzle will be the focus of the June 12 summit between two relatively new and untested leaders.

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The highly anticipated meeting between Kim Jong Un and myself will take place in Singapore on June 12th. We will both try to make it a very special moment for World Peace!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/994587349718847489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On behalf of the American people, WELCOME HOME! <a href="https://t.co/hISaCI95CB">pic.twitter.com/hISaCI95CB</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/994517833357946882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Trump-Kim summit has no precedent in US-North Korean relations. No US president has met with his North Korean counterpart while in office

US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced his historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will take place in Singapore on June 12. "We will both try to make it a very special moment for World Peace!" Trump said in a tweeted announcement. The location and date of the summit -- the first ever between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader -- were revealed hours after three American prisoners were released by North Korea and arrived back in the United States. Officials said that step removed the last major obstacle to the nuclear-focused summit, providing Trump with tangible evidence that his policy of engagement was reaping rewards. The small Southeast Asian city state of Singapore has long acted as a bridge between the United States and China. The Trump-Kim summit has no precedent in US-North Korean relations. No US president has met with his North Korean counterpart while in office. Despite the optimism of that moment, a deal to limit North Korea's nuclear program ultimately failed. A decade on, the nuclear threat with North Korea has only grown, with the country believed to be on the cusp of developing intercontinental ballistic missile that could deliver a nuclear warhead to the continental United States. Trump has vowed that he will not let that happen and has demanded that North Korea give up its nukes. So far the regime has not indicated it is willing to do that. Hardliners are likely see possession of a nuke as the only guarantee against US-led efforts to topple the regime. Pyongyang has yet to indicate its price for any move toward denuclearization and may yet demand US troops withdraw from South Korea as a quid pro quo. That complex strategic puzzle will be the focus of the June 12 summit between two relatively new and untested leaders. The highly anticipated meeting between Kim Jong Un and myself will take place in Singapore on June 12th. We will both try to make it a very special moment for World Peace! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2018 × On behalf of the American people, WELCOME HOME! pic.twitter.com/hISaCI95CB — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2018 ×

'Very special moment for World Peace!' Trump tweets, says Kim summit set for Singapore

After US President Trump rejected out the Demilitarised Zone(DMZ) on the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-returning-from-north-korea-with-three-us-detainees-trump-135759">South and North Korean border </a>area as the possible venue for his summit talks with Kim Jong Un, a US official said Singapore has emerged has the likliest option for the key talks.

Newswire Reuters quoted a US official saying that&nbspSingapore is now an option&nbspfor the summit talks between the US President and the North Korean leader.

The US president had suddenly announced on March 8th that he had accepted an invitation to meet Kim Jong Un after South Korean president Moon relayed the message to the Trump at the White House.

Meanwhile, North Korean state media KCNA said the Trump summit is a "historic chance to build a good future".

President Trump on Wednesday while ruling out DMZ as the possible venue had said he will announce the venue in the "next three days".

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who met Kim on Wednesday said the two leaders could meet as part of a one-day summit, with the option to extend it to "second day" as well, he told reporters.

After meeting Kim, Pompeo was handed three American prisoners who have now reached the US.

Trump said he would greet them when they arrived at Andrews Air Force Base outside Washington on Thursday morning.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HRk9Xw_URCU" width="560"></iframe>

President Trump while ruling out DMZ as the possible venue had said he will announce the venue in the "next three days on Wednesday".

After US President Trump rejected out the Demilitarised Zone(DMZ) on the South and North Korean border area as the possible venue for his summit talks with Kim Jong Un, a US official said Singapore has emerged has the likliest option for the key talks. Newswire Reuters quoted a US official saying that&nbspSingapore is now an option&nbspfor the summit talks between the US President and the North Korean leader. The US president had suddenly announced on March 8th that he had accepted an invitation to meet Kim Jong Un after South Korean president Moon relayed the message to the Trump at the White House. Meanwhile, North Korean state media KCNA said the Trump summit is a "historic chance to build a good future". President Trump on Wednesday while ruling out DMZ as the possible venue had said he will announce the venue in the "next three days". Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who met Kim on Wednesday said the two leaders could meet as part of a one-day summit, with the option to extend it to "second day" as well, he told reporters. After meeting Kim, Pompeo was handed three American prisoners who have now reached the US. Trump said he would greet them when they arrived at Andrews Air Force Base outside Washington on Thursday morning.

Singapore emerging as likely option for Trump-Kim summit: US official

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged US counterpart Donald Trump to take Pyongyang's "reasonable security concerns" into consideration, in a phone call Tuesday hours after Xi met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Xi told Trump that he supports the planned meeting between the US and North Korean leaders, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

The Chinees president "hopes the US and North Korea can work together, build mutual trust" and "consider North Korea's reasonable security concerns," the report said.

The North has long demanded the withdrawal of US troops from the peninsula and an end to its nuclear umbrella over South Korea.

Trump said last week that he was not envisaging a drawdown of troops in South Korea for now, but he admitted it was a possibility in the longer term.

The US said the two leaders agreed to keep economic pressure on North Korea. Beijing -- Pyongyang's sole major diplomatic and economic ally -- has backed UN sanctions over North Korea's nuclear programme.

"President Trump and President Xi agreed on the importance of continued implementation of sanctions on North Korea until it permanently dismantles its nuclear and missile programmes," the White House said in a statement.

Xi and Kim met on Monday and Tuesday in the northeastern Chinese port city of Dalian, the North Korean leader's second trip to China in six weeks as the two countries seek to bolster frayed ties.

The meeting came as Kim is expected to meet with Trump in June, possibly in Singapore.

"China is willing to continue playing a positive role for the realisation of denuclearisation of the Peninsula and long-term peace and security of the region," Xi told Trump.

Xi and Trump also discussed trade frictions.

"The economy and trade has always been the ballast and propellor of the China-US relationship," Xi said.

US and Chinese official held talks in Beijing last week, but no breakthroughs were announced.

Xi described the discussions as "frank, efficient and constructive".

"Both sides can maintain communication and strive to find a way to appropriately resolve the existing issues and obtain mutually beneficial win-win results," he was quoted as saying.

Xi told Trump that he supports the planned meeting between the US and North Korean leaders, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged US counterpart Donald Trump to take Pyongyang's "reasonable security concerns" into consideration, in a phone call Tuesday hours after Xi met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Xi told Trump that he supports the planned meeting between the US and North Korean leaders, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. The Chinees president "hopes the US and North Korea can work together, build mutual trust" and "consider North Korea's reasonable security concerns," the report said. The North has long demanded the withdrawal of US troops from the peninsula and an end to its nuclear umbrella over South Korea. Trump said last week that he was not envisaging a drawdown of troops in South Korea for now, but he admitted it was a possibility in the longer term. The US said the two leaders agreed to keep economic pressure on North Korea. Beijing -- Pyongyang's sole major diplomatic and economic ally -- has backed UN sanctions over North Korea's nuclear programme. "President Trump and President Xi agreed on the importance of continued implementation of sanctions on North Korea until it permanently dismantles its nuclear and missile programmes," the White House said in a statement. Xi and Kim met on Monday and Tuesday in the northeastern Chinese port city of Dalian, the North Korean leader's second trip to China in six weeks as the two countries seek to bolster frayed ties. The meeting came as Kim is expected to meet with Trump in June, possibly in Singapore. "China is willing to continue playing a positive role for the realisation of denuclearisation of the Peninsula and long-term peace and security of the region," Xi told Trump. Xi and Trump also discussed trade frictions. "The economy and trade has always been the ballast and propellor of the China-US relationship," Xi said. US and Chinese official held talks in Beijing last week, but no breakthroughs were announced. Xi described the discussions as "frank, efficient and constructive". "Both sides can maintain communication and strive to find a way to appropriately resolve the existing issues and obtain mutually beneficial win-win results," he was quoted as saying.

Xi urges Trump to consider North Korea's 'reasonable security concerns': State media

North Korea must commit to dismantling its nuclear weapons programme, new US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday during a swearing-in ceremony at the State Department where he was strongly endorsed by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump.

It was Trump's first visit to the State Department, where he was greeted by loud applause from several hundred people gathered in the Benjamin Franklin state dining room.

"That's more spirit than I've heard from the State Department in a long time," Trump joked, praising Pompeo's credentials and record as CIA director.

Trump fired his first secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, in March after public disagreements over North Korea, Iran and Russia. The department had been sidelined on major foreign policy issues and shaken by the resignation of senior diplomats.

"I have no doubt that you will make America proud as our nation's chief diplomat," Trump told Pompeo before Vice President Mike Pence administered the oath in a ceremonial swearing in.

Pompeo, who secretly met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un over the Easter weekend, said North Korea must commit to immediately dismantling its weapons programme, adding that efforts to denuclearize Pyongyang were still in the "beginning stages" and the outcomes "unknown."

"We are committed to the permanent, verifiable, irreversible dismantling of North Korea's weapons of mass destruction programme and to do so without delay," he said as Trump prepares for a historic meeting with Kim to convince Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear missile programme.

In a statement later marking North Korea Freedom Week, the State Department said it was gravely concerned about human rights abuses by what it called one of the most repressive and abusive governments in the world.

"We remain gravely concerned and deeply troubled by these abuses," the department said. "In tandem with the maximum pressure campaign, we will continue to press for accountability for those responsible."

Listing major challenges ahead, Pompeo said the United States was deciding on next steps of a "flawed" nuclear deal with Iran and confronting Moscow's "acts of aggression".

"My team and I will be unrelenting in confronting those threats," said Pompeo. "We will deploy tough diplomacy when necessary to put the interest of the American people first," he added.

Pompeo sought to quickly put his mark on his new role as secretary of state by rushing off to meet allies in Europe and the Middle East moments after he was confirmed on Thursday.

In his talks with NATO foreign ministers in Brussels, Pompeo emphasized Russian aggression and pushed for higher defence spending.

In the Middle East, he warned of Iran's "malign behaviour" as he discussed changes to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

He stressed that the United States had not decided whether to withdraw from the deal struck with Iran and six major powers including France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China.

It was Trump's first visit to the State Department, where he was greeted by loud applause from several hundred people gathered in the Benjamin Franklin state dining room

North Korea must commit to dismantling its nuclear weapons programme, new US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday during a swearing-in ceremony at the State Department where he was strongly endorsed by US President Donald Trump. It was Trump's first visit to the State Department, where he was greeted by loud applause from several hundred people gathered in the Benjamin Franklin state dining room. "That's more spirit than I've heard from the State Department in a long time," Trump joked, praising Pompeo's credentials and record as CIA director. Trump fired his first secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, in March after public disagreements over North Korea, Iran and Russia. The department had been sidelined on major foreign policy issues and shaken by the resignation of senior diplomats. "I have no doubt that you will make America proud as our nation's chief diplomat," Trump told Pompeo before Vice President Mike Pence administered the oath in a ceremonial swearing in. Pompeo, who secretly met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un over the Easter weekend, said North Korea must commit to immediately dismantling its weapons programme, adding that efforts to denuclearize Pyongyang were still in the "beginning stages" and the outcomes "unknown." "We are committed to the permanent, verifiable, irreversible dismantling of North Korea's weapons of mass destruction programme and to do so without delay," he said as Trump prepares for a historic meeting with Kim to convince Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear missile programme. In a statement later marking North Korea Freedom Week, the State Department said it was gravely concerned about human rights abuses by what it called one of the most repressive and abusive governments in the world. "We remain gravely concerned and deeply troubled by these abuses," the department said. "In tandem with the maximum pressure campaign, we will continue to press for accountability for those responsible." Listing major challenges ahead, Pompeo said the United States was deciding on next steps of a "flawed" nuclear deal with Iran and confronting Moscow's "acts of aggression". "My team and I will be unrelenting in confronting those threats," said Pompeo. "We will deploy tough diplomacy when necessary to put the interest of the American people first," he added. Pompeo sought to quickly put his mark on his new role as secretary of state by rushing off to meet allies in Europe and the Middle East moments after he was confirmed on Thursday. In his talks with NATO foreign ministers in Brussels, Pompeo emphasized Russian aggression and pushed for higher defence spending. In the Middle East, he warned of Iran's "malign behaviour" as he discussed changes to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. He stressed that the United States had not decided whether to withdraw from the deal struck with Iran and six major powers including France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China.

North Korea must denuclearise: Pompeo

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un told a visiting Chinese diplomat on Thursday that he is committed to denuclearisation, China's foreign ministry said, as diplomatic efforts to bring lasting peace to the Korean peninsula gather pace.

China is North Korea's most important economic and diplomatic backer, despite its anger at North Korea' repeated nuclear and missile tests, and its support for strong UN&nbsp;sanctions against the North.

However, China has also welcomed moves by North Korea to improve ties with South Korea and the United States.

China's top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi, is visiting North Korea following last week's historic meeting between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and the North's Kim Jong-Un, when both pledged to improve ties.

The North surprised the world several days before the summit by declaring it would dismantle its nuclear test site to "transparently guarantee" its dramatic commitment to stop all nuclear and missile tests.

Meeting in the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, Kim told Wang that recent positive changes on the peninsula were beneficial to a peaceful resolution, China's foreign ministry said in a statement.

"Kim Jong Un said achieving the denuclearisation of the peninsula is the firm position of the North Korean side," the ministry said.

Wang told Kim that North Korea had seized the day and made a decisive decision, bringing positive changes.

Last week's summit talks between the leaders of the two Koreans had brought about an opportunity for a political resolution, Wang added.

China supported an end to the state of war on the peninsula, North Korea's shift to economic development and the resolution of North Korea's legitimate security concerns during the denuclearisation process, he said.

"China is willing to maintain communication with North Korea on this and increase coordination."

The 1950-53 Korean War, which technically is still going on because a peace treaty has yet to be signed.

Wang also met North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho.

'POSITIVE ROLE'

In an earlier statement, Wang said China hoped dialogue between North Korea and the United States would be successful and that substantial progress would be made, referring to an upcoming meeting between Kim and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump.

"China is willing to strengthen communication with North Korea and continue to play a positive role in seeking a political solution to the Korean peninsula issue," Wang said.

South Korea's presidential official said high-level inter-Korean talks would be held in mid-May to work on implementing the agreement reached by Kim and Moon.

China had largely sat on the sidelines while the two Koreas improved ties, until Kim made a secretive trip to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in late March.

Beijing has been keen to show that it has an indispensable role to play in seeking a lasting solution, concerned that its interests may be ignored, especially as Pyongyang and Washington edge closer together.

The widely read Chinese state-run tabloid the Global Times said in an editorial any suggestion China was being marginalised "is a shallow attempt to manipulate public opinion".

China preferred quieter diplomacy, it said, pointing to the secrecy surrounding Kim's meeting with Xi.

"But Seoul, for its own political purposes, created much hype about the inter-Korean summit. U.S. President Donald Trump has started claiming credit for the Kim-Trump summit before it even starts," it said.

North Korean leader Kim Jon-Un told a visiting Chinese diplomat on Thursday that he is committed to denuclearisation, China's foreign ministry said

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un told a visiting Chinese diplomat on Thursday that he is committed to denuclearisation, China's foreign ministry said, as diplomatic efforts to bring lasting peace to the Korean peninsula gather pace. China is North Korea's most important economic and diplomatic backer, despite its anger at North Korea' repeated nuclear and missile tests, and its support for strong UN sanctions against the North. However, China has also welcomed moves by North Korea to improve ties with South Korea and the United States. China's top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi, is visiting North Korea following last week's historic meeting between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and the North's Kim Jong-Un, when both pledged to improve ties. The North surprised the world several days before the summit by declaring it would dismantle its nuclear test site to "transparently guarantee" its dramatic commitment to stop all nuclear and missile tests. Meeting in the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, Kim told Wang that recent positive changes on the peninsula were beneficial to a peaceful resolution, China's foreign ministry said in a statement. "Kim Jong Un said achieving the denuclearisation of the peninsula is the firm position of the North Korean side," the ministry said. Wang told Kim that North Korea had seized the day and made a decisive decision, bringing positive changes. Last week's summit talks between the leaders of the two Koreans had brought about an opportunity for a political resolution, Wang added. China supported an end to the state of war on the peninsula, North Korea's shift to economic development and the resolution of North Korea's legitimate security concerns during the denuclearisation process, he said. "China is willing to maintain communication with North Korea on this and increase coordination." The 1950-53 Korean War, which technically is still going on because a peace treaty has yet to be signed. Wang also met North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho. 'POSITIVE ROLE' In an earlier statement, Wang said China hoped dialogue between North Korea and the United States would be successful and that substantial progress would be made, referring to an upcoming meeting between Kim and US President Donald Trump. "China is willing to strengthen communication with North Korea and continue to play a positive role in seeking a political solution to the Korean peninsula issue," Wang said. South Korea's presidential official said high-level inter-Korean talks would be held in mid-May to work on implementing the agreement reached by Kim and Moon. China had largely sat on the sidelines while the two Koreas improved ties, until Kim made a secretive trip to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in late March. Beijing has been keen to show that it has an indispensable role to play in seeking a lasting solution, concerned that its interests may be ignored, especially as Pyongyang and Washington edge closer together. The widely read Chinese state-run tabloid the Global Times said in an editorial any suggestion China was being marginalised "is a shallow attempt to manipulate public opinion". China preferred quieter diplomacy, it said, pointing to the secrecy surrounding Kim's meeting with Xi. "But Seoul, for its own political purposes, created much hype about the inter-Korean summit. U.S. President Donald Trump has started claiming credit for the Kim-Trump summit before it even starts," it said.

North Korea's Kim Jong-Un tells China he is committed to denuclearisation

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the location and date of a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may be announced soon.

While addressing reporters at the White House, Trump said on Saturday that the meeting with Kim could happen over the next three or four weeks.

Trump said on Saturday that the meeting with Kim could happen over the next three or four weeks

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the location and date of a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may be announced soon. While addressing reporters at the White House, Trump said on Saturday that the meeting with Kim could happen over the next three or four weeks.

Trump says location, date of North Korea summit may be announced soon

Newly-appointed national security<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-willing-to-talk-to-japan-at-any-time-133582"> adviser(NSA) John Bolton</a> told a US television programme that the Trump administration is not &nbsp"starry-eyed" on North Korea's commitment to give up nuclear weapons.

After the high-profile meeting between Kim Jong Un and South Korea's President &nbspMoon Jae-in, North Korea had announced that it will close its nuclear facilities in May.

"We'll want to test North Korea in this first meeting for evidence that they have made that strategic decision, " US NSA Bolton said.

NSA John Bolton told the US media channel that North Korea's announcement does not mean it could happen quickly, saying "demonstrating they've made a strategic decision to give up nuclear weapons, it would be possible to move quickly."

North Korean leader Kim had said he is willing to invite US and South Korean journalists and experts in May when the country begins to shut down its nuclear weapon sites.

"There's nobody in the Trump administration starry-eyed about what may happen here but by demonstrating they've made a strategic decision to give up nuclear weapons, It would be possible to move quickly as again the Libya case demonstrates," he said.

During the meeting with President Moon Jae-in, North Korea had said it will work for the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula by suspending nuclear and missile tests immediately.

Bolton, however, remained sceptical adding that the US would continue to keep ships and planes along the Korean peninsula despite Kim's assurances, Bolton said, "we certainly haven't made that commitment," when asked about US initiative to pull its forces from the area.

In another move aimed at pursuing peace in the region, Kim on Sunday told the South Korean presidential office that he is ready to hold bilateral talks with Japanese President Shinzo Abe.&nbsp

In a separate teleconference late on Saturday, Abe and President Donald Trump agreed that North Korea needs to take "concrete action" toward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.&nbsp 
&nbsp

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North Korea had announced that it will close its nuclear facilities in May

Newly-appointed national security adviser(NSA) John Bolton told a US television programme that the Trump administration is not "starry-eyed" on North Korea's commitment to give up nuclear weapons. After the high-profile meeting between Kim Jong Un and South Korea's President &nbspMoon Jae-in, North Korea had announced that it will close its nuclear facilities in May. "We'll want to test North Korea in this first meeting for evidence that they have made that strategic decision, " US NSA Bolton said. NSA John Bolton told the US media channel that North Korea's announcement does not mean it could happen quickly, saying "demonstrating they've made a strategic decision to give up nuclear weapons, it would be possible to move quickly." North Korean leader Kim had said he is willing to invite US and South Korean journalists and experts in May when the country begins to shut down its nuclear weapon sites. "There's nobody in the Trump administration starry-eyed about what may happen here but by demonstrating they've made a strategic decision to give up nuclear weapons, It would be possible to move quickly as again the Libya case demonstrates," he said. During the meeting with President Moon Jae-in, North Korea had said it will work for the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula by suspending nuclear and missile tests immediately. Bolton, however, remained sceptical adding that the US would continue to keep ships and planes along the Korean peninsula despite Kim's assurances, Bolton said, "we certainly haven't made that commitment," when asked about US initiative to pull its forces from the area. In another move aimed at pursuing peace in the region, Kim on Sunday told the South Korean presidential office that he is ready to hold bilateral talks with Japanese President Shinzo Abe. In a separate teleconference late on Saturday, Abe and President Donald Trump agreed that North Korea needs to take "concrete action" toward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

US not starry-eyed on North Korea giving up nuclear weapons, says NSA John Bolton

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday a meeting with North Korea could happen over the next three to four weeks.

"I think we will have a meeting over the next three or four weeks," Trump said at a campaign rally in Washington, Michigan. "It's going be a very important meeting, the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula."&nbsp;

On Saturday, Trump said on Twitter that he "just had a long and very good talk with President Moon of South Korea. Things are going very well, time and location of meeting with North Korea is being set."

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Just had a long and very good talk with President Moon of South Korea. Things are going very well, time and location of meeting with North Korea is being set. Also spoke to Prime Minister Abe of Japan to inform him of the ongoing negotiations.
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Trump added that he had also spoken with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to inform him of ongoing negotiations.

The White House later said Trump and Moon during the call "emphasized that a peaceful and prosperous future for North Korea is contingent upon its complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization."

The White House also said Trump had informed Abe that he would "urge North Korea to promptly resolve its abductions of Japanese citizens."

A senior US official said Singapore is being considered as a possible venue for the Trump-Kim summit.

Speaking on Saturday at a televised news conference in Sydney, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull praised Trump's negotiations on North Korea and said he helped bring the two Korean leaders together.

"I have given him that credit because Donald Trump has taken a very, very strong, hard line on the denuclearisation issue and he has been able to bring in the support of the global community and, in particular, China," Turnbull said. "North Korea's economic relationship is overwhelmingly with China. And so China's preparedness to impose those sanctions has been the critical change that has put the economic pressure on North Korea."

Turnbull said the pressure from China and the US&nbsp;had brought Kim to the point of denuclearising the Korean peninsula.

"What we've now got to do is not relent on the economic pressure until that goal is achieved," he said.

Australia will send a military aircraft to monitor North Korean vessels suspected of transferring illicit goods in defiance of U.N. sanctions, he said.Iran, facing a possible U.S. exit from its nuclear deal with world powers, welcomed the inter-Korean summit, but said Washington was not a "qualified" partner in the negotiations.

"Iran sees (the summit) as an important step in the right direction that can contribute to lasting regional and global peace and security," Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi was quoted as saying by state media.

"The US&nbsp;government is not a credible actor, doesn't comply with its international obligations and doesn't qualify to take part in arrangements between countries," Qasemi added.

An editorial in the official China Daily on Saturday said denuclearisation could end hostilities between the two sides and "usher in a new era of development" on the peninsula, but noted Friday's declaration lacked a plan for achieving the goal.

"The denuclearisation of the peninsula, written into the Panmunjom Declaration, is only a prospect with no specific plan. That is because such specifics can be reached only between the US and North Korea, and South Korea has only limited authority to bargain," it said.

Trump will be meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un. A senior US official said Singapore is being considered as a possible venue for the summit

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday a meeting with North Korea could happen over the next three to four weeks. "I think we will have a meeting over the next three or four weeks," Trump said at a campaign rally in Washington, Michigan. "It's going be a very important meeting, the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula." On Saturday, Trump said on Twitter that he "just had a long and very good talk with President Moon of South Korea. Things are going very well, time and location of meeting with North Korea is being set." Just had a long and very good talk with President Moon of South Korea. Things are going very well, time and location of meeting with North Korea is being set. Also spoke to Prime Minister Abe of Japan to inform him of the ongoing negotiations. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 28, 2018 × Trump added that he had also spoken with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to inform him of ongoing negotiations. The White House later said Trump and Moon during the call "emphasized that a peaceful and prosperous future for North Korea is contingent upon its complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization." The White House also said Trump had informed Abe that he would "urge North Korea to promptly resolve its abductions of Japanese citizens." A senior US official said Singapore is being considered as a possible venue for the Trump-Kim summit. Speaking on Saturday at a televised news conference in Sydney, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull praised Trump's negotiations on North Korea and said he helped bring the two Korean leaders together. "I have given him that credit because Donald Trump has taken a very, very strong, hard line on the denuclearisation issue and he has been able to bring in the support of the global community and, in particular, China," Turnbull said. "North Korea's economic relationship is overwhelmingly with China. And so China's preparedness to impose those sanctions has been the critical change that has put the economic pressure on North Korea." Turnbull said the pressure from China and the US had brought Kim to the point of denuclearising the Korean peninsula. "What we've now got to do is not relent on the economic pressure until that goal is achieved," he said. Australia will send a military aircraft to monitor North Korean vessels suspected of transferring illicit goods in defiance of U.N. sanctions, he said.Iran, facing a possible U.S. exit from its nuclear deal with world powers, welcomed the inter-Korean summit, but said Washington was not a "qualified" partner in the negotiations. "Iran sees (the summit) as an important step in the right direction that can contribute to lasting regional and global peace and security," Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi was quoted as saying by state media. "The US government is not a credible actor, doesn't comply with its international obligations and doesn't qualify to take part in arrangements between countries," Qasemi added. An editorial in the official China Daily on Saturday said denuclearisation could end hostilities between the two sides and "usher in a new era of development" on the peninsula, but noted Friday's declaration lacked a plan for achieving the goal. "The denuclearisation of the peninsula, written into the Panmunjom Declaration, is only a prospect with no specific plan. That is because such specifics can be reached only between the US and North Korea, and South Korea has only limited authority to bargain," it said.

Meeting with North Korea could happen in '3 or 4 weeks', says Donald Trump

As Kim Jong Un, 34, and President Moon <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/full-statement-panmunjom-declaration-for-peace-prosperity-and-unification-of-the-korean-peninsula-133235">Jae-in,&nbsp;65, ushered hope of peace</a> in the Korean peninsula, two women - Kim's wife Ri Sol Ju and sister Kim Yo Jong - &nbsp;stole the limelight and won hearts in South Korea.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/key-takaways-from-korean-leaders-joint-statement-from-historic-summit-133240">Also Read:&nbsp;Key </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/key-takaways-from-korean-leaders-joint-statement-from-historic-summit-133240">takaways</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/key-takaways-from-korean-leaders-joint-statement-from-historic-summit-133240"> from Korean leaders' joint statement from </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/key-takaways-from-korean-leaders-joint-statement-from-historic-summit-133240">historic</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/key-takaways-from-korean-leaders-joint-statement-from-historic-summit-133240"> summit</a>

Kim Yo Jong is no stranger to South Korea. She had travelled to South Korea earlier for the Winter Olympics attending the opening ceremony, she had made her presence felt then meeting President Moon&nbsp;and was largely responsible for today's peace moves at the DMZ.

Kim Yo was dressed modestly in grey two-piece skirt suit and low, black heels while going through duties of the signing ceremony as her brother Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon went about setting the tone for future peace moves.&nbsp;

Although the little-known sister of the Korean leader had seized the day during the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics as the world watched her every move, this time, however, she played second fiddle to her brother on a day when the Korean peninsula witnessed winds of change after several decades of war-like situation.

Kim's wife, however, Ri Sol Ju had travelled to South Korea earlier as a "cheerleader" for North Korea's 2005 Olympic team. This time she matched Kim's move carrying herself effortlessly dressed in pink skirt and jacket along with&nbsp;glitzy high heels.

"I was so glad to hear the summit went well," Ri told South Korean President Moon Jae-In.

It was a break from tradition since Kim's father Kim Jong II never appeared in public with his wife - ever!

Ri Sol Ju had accompanied Kim to China for a meeting with President Xi last month during a surprise visit to the Communist state, there too she had hit the headlines. Her soft, approachable style was embraced by the Chinese media and the people who were excited to meet her.

As the "first lady", Ri's stocks in Korea are at all-time high, even though she is yet to rival her husband and the other "first ladies" of the West, North Korean state media calls her "respected Ri Sol Ju" - an indication of her elevated status.

The mother of three children, Ri is set for the bigger stage as Trump and Kim meet next month, although it is still unclear if she will accompany her husband to meet the US president. &nbsp;

It was a break from tradition since Kim's father Kim Jong II never appeared in public with his wife - ever!

As Kim Jong Un, 34, and President Moon Jae-in, 65, ushered hope of peace in the Korean peninsula, two women - Kim's wife Ri Sol Ju and sister Kim Yo Jong - stole the limelight and won hearts in South Korea. Also Read: Key takaways from Korean leaders' joint statement from historic summit Kim Yo Jong is no stranger to South Korea. She had travelled to South Korea earlier for the Winter Olympics attending the opening ceremony, she had made her presence felt then meeting President Moon and was largely responsible for today's peace moves at the DMZ. Kim Yo was dressed modestly in grey two-piece skirt suit and low, black heels while going through duties of the signing ceremony as her brother Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon went about setting the tone for future peace moves. Although the little-known sister of the Korean leader had seized the day during the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics as the world watched her every move, this time, however, she played second fiddle to her brother on a day when the Korean peninsula witnessed winds of change after several decades of war-like situation. Kim's wife, however, Ri Sol Ju had travelled to South Korea earlier as a "cheerleader" for North Korea's 2005 Olympic team. This time she matched Kim's move carrying herself effortlessly dressed in pink skirt and jacket along with glitzy high heels. "I was so glad to hear the summit went well," Ri told South Korean President Moon Jae-In. It was a break from tradition since Kim's father Kim Jong II never appeared in public with his wife - ever! Ri Sol Ju had accompanied Kim to China for a meeting with President Xi last month during a surprise visit to the Communist state, there too she had hit the headlines. Her soft, approachable style was embraced by the Chinese media and the people who were excited to meet her. As the "first lady", Ri's stocks in Korea are at all-time high, even though she is yet to rival her husband and the other "first ladies" of the West, North Korean state media calls her "respected Ri Sol Ju" - an indication of her elevated status. The mother of three children, Ri is set for the bigger stage as Trump and Kim meet next month, although it is still unclear if she will accompany her husband to meet the US president.

Watch: Charm offensive at DMZ as Kim's wife, sister steal the limelight

The North Korea leader Kim Jong Un, in one of the historic move, crossed the southern border to hold a summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-In on Friday.

The meeting which is being held after over a decade&nbsp;aims to discuss denuclearisation and exchanges between the two countries.&nbsp;The residents of the two countries are, however,&nbsp;cynical about the favourable outcomes of the meeting.&nbsp;

Citing previous promises of the North Korean leader, the people from South Korea&nbsp;expressed their&nbsp;doubt over the leader's promise.&nbsp;

They also believe that the two countries should not think about unifying at this stage as maintaining peace in the region should be the top priority.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Similar to South Koreans, people from North Korea have also expressed doubts about Kim Jong Un's promise.&nbsp;

A North Korea activist said that Kim came out for the meeting because he had no other choice as everyone including Russia and China are pressuring North Korea.

North Koreans also believe that the Kim will never change and the people of the country need to change their leadership.

However, some also feel that the meeting shows a change of mindset in the North Korean leader.&nbsp;

The two leaders will dine together for talks at Friday's summit.

Citing previous promises of the North Korean leader, the people from South Korea express their doubt over the leader's promise

The North Korea leader Kim Jong Un, in one of the historic move, crossed the southern border to hold a summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-In on Friday. The meeting which is being held after over a decade aims to discuss denuclearisation and exchanges between the two countries. The residents of the two countries are, however, cynical about the favourable outcomes of the meeting. Citing previous promises of the North Korean leader, the people from South Korea expressed their doubt over the leader's promise. They also believe that the two countries should not think about unifying at this stage as maintaining peace in the region should be the top priority. Similar to South Koreans, people from North Korea have also expressed doubts about Kim Jong Un's promise. A North Korea activist said that Kim came out for the meeting because he had no other choice as everyone including Russia and China are pressuring North Korea. North Koreans also believe that the Kim will never change and the people of the country need to change their leadership. However, some also feel that the meeting shows a change of mindset in the North Korean leader. The two leaders will dine together for talks at Friday's summit.

How South Koreans reacted to the summit between leaders of rival Koreas

The citizens of&nbspBeijing on Friday expressed hope for the historic summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in taking place in the demilitarized zone between the two countries.

While some in Beijing admitted they had not heard about this summit, others said that if the talks lead to tangible agreements this would be good for the "safety and stability" of the region, news agency Reuters reported.

The summit, which is aimed at ending South Korea and North Korea's decades-long conflict, comes weeks before Kim is due to meet US&nbspPresident Donald Trump to discuss denuclearising the Korean peninsula.

The two countries expect to release a joint statement late on Friday - possibly called the Panmunjom Declaration - that could address denuclearisation and peace, and an improvement in relations, South Korean officials said.

While some in Beijing admitted they had not heard about this summit, others said that if the talks lead to tangible agreements this would be good for the "safety and stability" of the region

The citizens of&nbspBeijing on Friday expressed hope for the historic summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in taking place in the demilitarized zone between the two countries. While some in Beijing admitted they had not heard about this summit, others said that if the talks lead to tangible agreements this would be good for the "safety and stability" of the region, news agency Reuters reported. The summit, which is aimed at ending South Korea and North Korea's decades-long conflict, comes weeks before Kim is due to meet US&nbspPresident Donald Trump to discuss denuclearising the Korean peninsula. The two countries expect to release a joint statement late on Friday - possibly called the Panmunjom Declaration - that could address denuclearisation and peace, and an improvement in relations, South Korean officials said.

People in Beijing express hopes for historic inter-korea summit

In a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/a-new-history-starts-now-as-leaders-of-two-koreas-begin-summit-133112">historic move</a>, the North Korean President Kim Jong Un crossed the southern border to meet South Korean President Moon Jae-In at the Demilitarised Zone.&nbsp;

The historic move has made the North Korean leader the first one to set foot in the South since the 1950-53 Korean War.

Kim Jong Un was greeted by Moon at the military demarcation line at 9:30 a.m where the two leaders crossed back into South Korea holding hands.

The North Korean leader was welcomed with flowers by South Korean boy and girl. He also received&nbsp;South Korean honour guard while his walk on the red carpet.

South Korean leader Moon was also asked to step briefly across the demarcation line into North Korea before the two leaders crossed back into South Korea.

The two leaders are meeting for a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/an-age-of-peace-from-the-starting-point-of-history-kim-writes-in-the-guestbook-133119">historic meeting that aims to discuss denuclearisation </a>and exchanges between the two countries.

The summit between the two nations is being held after over a decade.&nbsp;

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WATCH: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, crosses the southern border to meet rival Moon Jae-in for the summit on nuke crisis in Panmunjom. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SouthKorea?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SouthKorea</a> <a href="https://t.co/hq58iYQcUz">pic.twitter.com/hq58iYQcUz</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/989674433559384064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Kim Jong Un was greeted by Moon at the military demarcation line at 9:30 a.m where the two leaders crossed back into South Korea holding hands

In a historic move, the North Korean President Kim Jong Un crossed the southern border to meet South Korean President Moon Jae-In at the Demilitarised Zone. The historic move has made the North Korean leader the first one to set foot in the South since the 1950-53 Korean War. Kim Jong Un was greeted by Moon at the military demarcation line at 9:30 a.m where the two leaders crossed back into South Korea holding hands. The North Korean leader was welcomed with flowers by South Korean boy and girl. He also received South Korean honour guard while his walk on the red carpet. South Korean leader Moon was also asked to step briefly across the demarcation line into North Korea before the two leaders crossed back into South Korea. The two leaders are meeting for a historic meeting that aims to discuss denuclearisation and exchanges between the two countries. The summit between the two nations is being held after over a decade. WATCH: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, crosses the southern border to meet rival Moon Jae-in for the summit on nuke crisis in Panmunjom. #SouthKorea pic.twitter.com/hq58iYQcUz — ANI (@ANI) April 27, 2018 ×

Watch: North Korea leader Kim Jong Un becomes first to cross South since 1950-53 war

In a move to recognise <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/key-takaways-from-korean-leaders-joint-statement-from-historic-summit-133240">China as a key backer of North </a>and South Korean talks, President Trump today thanked President Xi's contribution as Kim Jong Un and President Moon concluded their day-long engagement at DMZ's peace village.

"Please do not forget the great help that my good friend, President Xi of China has given to the US, particularly at the border of North Korea," President Trump said even as relations between China and the US continued to be on the edge over trade tariffs and imposition of stiff penalties on several goods by the Trump administration.

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Please do not forget the great help that my good friend, President Xi of China, has given to the United States, particularly at the Border of North Korea. Without him it would have been a much longer, tougher, process!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/989834048796266498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Last month President Trump had imposed stiff tariffs worth $60 billion on Chinese goods entering the US which led China to hit back with similar tariffs in a tit-for-tat move.

"Without him it would have been a much longer, tougher, process," Trump said acknowledging China's role in persuading Kim to conduct talks with South Korean President Moon.

Trump's move comes as he prepares to host the North Korean leader in a summit meeting next month which is being keenly watched by experts.

On Thursday, the US president had said there are "three or four" possible dates were being considered for the landmark summit.

"We have a decision to be made. We have three and four dates. That includes five locations. That will be narrowed down," Trump said on Fox News.

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Trump's move comes as he prepares to host the North Korean leader in a summit meeting next month which is being keenly by experts.

In a move to recognise China as a key backer of North and South Korean talks, President Trump today thanked President Xi's contribution as Kim Jong Un and President Moon concluded their day-long engagement at DMZ's peace village. "Please do not forget the great help that my good friend, President Xi of China has given to the US, particularly at the border of North Korea," President Trump said even as relations between China and the US continued to be on the edge over trade tariffs and imposition of stiff penalties on several goods by the Trump administration. Please do not forget the great help that my good friend, President Xi of China, has given to the United States, particularly at the Border of North Korea. Without him it would have been a much longer, tougher, process! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 27, 2018 × Last month President Trump had imposed stiff tariffs worth $60 billion on Chinese goods entering the US which led China to hit back with similar tariffs in a tit-for-tat move. "Without him it would have been a much longer, tougher, process," Trump said acknowledging China's role in persuading Kim to conduct talks with South Korean President Moon. Trump's move comes as he prepares to host the North Korean leader in a summit meeting next month which is being keenly watched by experts. On Thursday, the US president had said there are "three or four" possible dates were being considered for the landmark summit. "We have a decision to be made. We have three and four dates. That includes five locations. That will be narrowed down," Trump said on Fox News.

Do not forget President Xi's help in North Korea issue, reminds Trump

The United States is hopeful talks between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in will make progress on achieving peace and prosperity, the White House said in a statement on Thursday as the two men began their summit.

The White House also said it looks forward to continuing discussions with South Korea in preparation for the planned meeting of President Donald Trump and Kim in the coming weeks.

“On the occasion of Republic of Korea President Moon Jae-in’s historic meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, we wish the Korean people well. We are hopeful that talks will achieve progress toward a future of peace and prosperity for the entire Korean Peninsula. The United States appreciates the close coordination with our ally, the Republic of Korea, and looks forward to continuing robust discussions in preparation for the planned meeting between President Donald J. Trump and Kim Jong Un in the coming weeks," the statement said.&nbsp;

The White House also said it looks forward to continuing discussions with South Korea in preparation for the planned meeting of President Donald Trump and Kim in the coming weeks.

The United States is hopeful talks between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in will make progress on achieving peace and prosperity, the White House said in a statement on Thursday as the two men began their summit. The White House also said it looks forward to continuing discussions with South Korea in preparation for the planned meeting of President Donald Trump and Kim in the coming weeks. “On the occasion of Republic of Korea President Moon Jae-in’s historic meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, we wish the Korean people well. We are hopeful that talks will achieve progress toward a future of peace and prosperity for the entire Korean Peninsula. The United States appreciates the close coordination with our ally, the Republic of Korea, and looks forward to continuing robust discussions in preparation for the planned meeting between President Donald J. Trump and Kim Jong Un in the coming weeks," the statement said.

White House issues statement, says US hopeful Korea talks will achieve progress

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Friday praised the meeting of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, acknowledging the historic summit even as he raised questions about how long the positive diplomacy would last.

Kim and Moon earlier Friday pledged to work toward the "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula," and seek to declare an official end to the 1950s Korean War and establish a permanent peace agreement.

In a pair of tweets, Trump appeared optimistic that a summit would be fruitful as he eyed his own meeting with Kim, expected in the coming weeks.

"KOREAN WAR TO END! The United States, and all of its GREAT people, should be very proud of what is now taking place in Korea!" Trump said on Twitter.

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KOREAN WAR TO END! The United States, and all of its GREAT people, should be very proud of what is now taking place in Korea!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/989820401596366849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Good things are happening, but only time will tell!" he added.

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After a furious year of missile launches and Nuclear testing, a historic meeting between North and South Korea is now taking place. Good things are happening, but only time will tell!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/989816772713906177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Please do not forget the great help that my good friend, President Xi of China, has given to the United States, particularly at the Border of North Korea. Without him it would have been a much longer, tougher, process!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/989834048796266498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The US&nbsp;president has said he hopes to meet with Kim in May or June, and a White House official has said Trump may seek to meet with Moon before hand.

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The US president has said he hopes to meet with Kim in May or June, and a White House official has said Trump may seek to meet with Moon before hand

US President Donald Trump on Friday praised the meeting of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, acknowledging the historic summit even as he raised questions about how long the positive diplomacy would last. Kim and Moon earlier Friday pledged to work toward the "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula," and seek to declare an official end to the 1950s Korean War and establish a permanent peace agreement. In a pair of tweets, Trump appeared optimistic that a summit would be fruitful as he eyed his own meeting with Kim, expected in the coming weeks. "KOREAN WAR TO END! The United States, and all of its GREAT people, should be very proud of what is now taking place in Korea!" Trump said on Twitter. KOREAN WAR TO END! The United States, and all of its GREAT people, should be very proud of what is now taking place in Korea! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 27, 2018 × "Good things are happening, but only time will tell!" he added. After a furious year of missile launches and Nuclear testing, a historic meeting between North and South Korea is now taking place. Good things are happening, but only time will tell! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 27, 2018 × Please do not forget the great help that my good friend, President Xi of China, has given to the United States, particularly at the Border of North Korea. Without him it would have been a much longer, tougher, process! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 27, 2018 × The US president has said he hopes to meet with Kim in May or June, and a White House official has said Trump may seek to meet with Moon before hand.

Trump praises historic North, South Korea meeting

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un told&nbsp;South Korea President&nbsp;Moon Jae-in during a private meeting that he came to the inter-Korea summit to end a history of conflict and joked he was sorry for <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/preview/article/133112">keeping Moon up</a> with his late night missile tests, a South Korean official said on Friday.

News agency Reuters quoting senior presidential official Yoon Young-chan stated that Kim told Moon he would be willing to visit the presidential Blue House in Seoul and wanted to meet "more often" in the future.

After talks lasting more than an hour and a half behind closed doors, Kim was driven back to the North side just before noon in a black limousine flanked by guards who ran alongside. Crossing the border, the vehicle had to drive across a lawn, as there is not a road linking the two sides at that spot.

Following lunch, the two leaders are scheduled to plant a memorial tree before resuming their meeting and then finishing the evening with dinner and a film.

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WATCH: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, crosses the southern border to meet rival Moon Jae-in for the summit on nuke crisis in Panmunjom. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SouthKorea?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SouthKorea</a> <a href="https://t.co/hq58iYQcUz">pic.twitter.com/hq58iYQcUz</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/989674433559384064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Senior presidential official Yoon Young-chan also said Kim told Moon he would be willing to visit the presidential Blue House in Seoul, and wanted to meet "more often" in the future

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un told South Korea President Moon Jae-in during a private meeting that he came to the inter-Korea summit to end a history of conflict and joked he was sorry for keeping Moon up with his late night missile tests, a South Korean official said on Friday. News agency Reuters quoting senior presidential official Yoon Young-chan stated that Kim told Moon he would be willing to visit the presidential Blue House in Seoul and wanted to meet "more often" in the future. After talks lasting more than an hour and a half behind closed doors, Kim was driven back to the North side just before noon in a black limousine flanked by guards who ran alongside. Crossing the border, the vehicle had to drive across a lawn, as there is not a road linking the two sides at that spot. Following lunch, the two leaders are scheduled to plant a memorial tree before resuming their meeting and then finishing the evening with dinner and a film. WATCH: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, crosses the southern border to meet rival Moon Jae-in for the summit on nuke crisis in Panmunjom. #SouthKorea pic.twitter.com/hq58iYQcUz — ANI (@ANI) April 27, 2018 ×

Kim Jong-Un sorry for keeping South Korean President Moon up with late night missile tests

South Korean President&nbspMoon&nbspJae-in will greet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Friday as the latter crosses a military demarcation line to enter the South for the first summit between the two sides in more than a decade, South Korea said.

South Korean honour guards will then escort the leaders to a welcome ceremony at a plaza in Panmunjom, the border village where the summit is to be held, the South's presidential chief of staff, Im Jong-seok, told a media briefing.

Official dialogue between Kim and&nbspMoon&nbspwill begin at 10:30 a.m. (0130 GMT) at the Peace House in Panmunjom, an hour after Kim is scheduled the cross the border at 9:30 a.m. (0030 GMT).

"This summit will focus more on denuclearisation and securing of permanent peace than anything else," Im said on Thursday.

"I feel North Korea is sending their key military officials to the summit as they too, believe denuclearisation and peace are important."

Kim will be accompanied by nine officials, among them his sister, Kim Yo Jong, who led the North's delegation to the Winter Olympics in South Korea in February and Kim Yong Nam, the North's nominal head of state.

In addition, there will be Kim Yong Chol, a former intelligence chief and Choe Hwi, the chairman of a sports panel. The North sent athletes to the Winter Olympics, where the neighbours also fielded a joint women's ice hockey team.

Kim Yong Chol was previously chief of the Reconnaissance General Bureau, a North Korean military intelligence agency South Korea has blamed for the deadly 2010 sinking of the Cheonan, a South Korean navy corvette.

Also in the delegation are Ri Su Yong, a member of the North's politburo and Ri Myong Su, the chief of the general staff of the Korean People's Army.

Ministers on the trip include defence minister Pak Yong Sik, and foreign minister Ri Yong Ho, besides an official spearheading peaceful reunification efforts, Ri Son Gwon.

South Korea's delegation is comprised of seven officials, including the ministers for defence, foreign affairs and unification.

After the end of the first session of talks, Kim Jong Un and&nbspMoon&nbspwill have lunch separately before holding a tree-planting ceremony in the afternoon, Im said.

A pine tree will be planted on the demarcation line to symbolise "peace and prosperity", Im said, using soil from Mount Paektu in North Korea and Mount Halla in South Korea.

Kim and&nbspMoon&nbspwill water the tree with water brought from the Taedong River in the North and the Han River in the South, Im said. Afterwards,&nbspMoon&nbspand Kim will take a walk together in Panmunjom before beginning the next round of talks.

At the end of the talks, Kim and&nbspMoon&nbspwill sign a pact and make an announcement, Im said. Later, they will have dinner on the South's side and watch a video clip themed 'Spring of One', he added.

South Korean honour guards will then escort the leaders to a welcome ceremony at a plaza in Panmunjom, the border village where the summit is to be held, the South's presidential chief of staff, Im Jong-seok, told a media briefing.

South Korean President&nbspMoon&nbspJae-in will greet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Friday as the latter crosses a military demarcation line to enter the South for the first summit between the two sides in more than a decade, South Korea said. South Korean honour guards will then escort the leaders to a welcome ceremony at a plaza in Panmunjom, the border village where the summit is to be held, the South's presidential chief of staff, Im Jong-seok, told a media briefing. Official dialogue between Kim and&nbspMoon&nbspwill begin at 10:30 a.m. (0130 GMT) at the Peace House in Panmunjom, an hour after Kim is scheduled the cross the border at 9:30 a.m. (0030 GMT). "This summit will focus more on denuclearisation and securing of permanent peace than anything else," Im said on Thursday. "I feel North Korea is sending their key military officials to the summit as they too, believe denuclearisation and peace are important." Kim will be accompanied by nine officials, among them his sister, Kim Yo Jong, who led the North's delegation to the Winter Olympics in South Korea in February and Kim Yong Nam, the North's nominal head of state. In addition, there will be Kim Yong Chol, a former intelligence chief and Choe Hwi, the chairman of a sports panel. The North sent athletes to the Winter Olympics, where the neighbours also fielded a joint women's ice hockey team. Kim Yong Chol was previously chief of the Reconnaissance General Bureau, a North Korean military intelligence agency South Korea has blamed for the deadly 2010 sinking of the Cheonan, a South Korean navy corvette. Also in the delegation are Ri Su Yong, a member of the North's politburo and Ri Myong Su, the chief of the general staff of the Korean People's Army. Ministers on the trip include defence minister Pak Yong Sik, and foreign minister Ri Yong Ho, besides an official spearheading peaceful reunification efforts, Ri Son Gwon. South Korea's delegation is comprised of seven officials, including the ministers for defence, foreign affairs and unification. After the end of the first session of talks, Kim Jong Un and&nbspMoon&nbspwill have lunch separately before holding a tree-planting ceremony in the afternoon, Im said. A pine tree will be planted on the demarcation line to symbolise "peace and prosperity", Im said, using soil from Mount Paektu in North Korea and Mount Halla in South Korea. Kim and&nbspMoon&nbspwill water the tree with water brought from the Taedong River in the North and the Han River in the South, Im said. Afterwards,&nbspMoon&nbspand Kim will take a walk together in Panmunjom before beginning the next round of talks. At the end of the talks, Kim and&nbspMoon&nbspwill sign a pact and make an announcement, Im said. Later, they will have dinner on the South's side and watch a video clip themed 'Spring of One', he added.

South Korea's Moon to meet North Korea's Kim at border for summit

With a giant TV screen in its capital, and a break from classes for students to watch live coverage, much of South Korea will hit the pause button on Friday to watch history unfold – the first time a North Korean leader crosses the border to visit.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in will welcome Kim Jong Un as he walks across the military demarcation line between the neighbours, still technically at war because the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce, not a peace treaty.&nbsp;“It is an important moment of our history and a very good chance to feel the history,” said Park Sung-il, vice principal at Baekun Elementary School in the southern city of Gwangju, which is letting students watch events unfold on television.

“Our kids can get live education about unification by watching South and North Korean leaders shake hands in real time.”&nbsp;It is only the third time the leaders of the countries have met, and previous summits in Pyongyang, the North’s capital, were not broadcast live.

“There is the sense of excitement in Seoul that almost everybody is preparing for celebration on Friday,” said Victor Cha, a US expert on Korea who was visiting Seoul this week.&nbsp;If the summit goes well, “perhaps people in Washington may be more optimistic” that Kim’s meeting with US President Donald Trump, expected in May or June, will go well, he added.

The leaders of the two sides will meet at the South Korean border village of Panmunjom, the only place along the heavily fortified border where soldiers face off directly against each other.&nbsp;In Seoul, a gigantic TV screen will broadcast footage outside city hall. The plaza has been festooned in flowers arranged in the shape of the Korean peninsula to “create a conducive environment,” a city official said.

In Gwangju, a theatre is offering free admission for people to watch the broadcast on its movie screen.&nbsp;“Think about South Korean honour guards escorting the leader of our enemy state,” said Lee Shin, the head of a reunification research group in the city. “This is a very significant moment of our history.”

South Korean President Moon Jae-in will welcome Kim Jong Un as he walks across the military demarcation line between the neighbours, still technically at war because the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce, not a peace treaty.

With a giant TV screen in its capital, and a break from classes for students to watch live coverage, much of South Korea will hit the pause button on Friday to watch history unfold – the first time a North Korean leader crosses the border to visit. South Korean President Moon Jae-in will welcome Kim Jong Un as he walks across the military demarcation line between the neighbours, still technically at war because the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. “It is an important moment of our history and a very good chance to feel the history,” said Park Sung-il, vice principal at Baekun Elementary School in the southern city of Gwangju, which is letting students watch events unfold on television. “Our kids can get live education about unification by watching South and North Korean leaders shake hands in real time.” It is only the third time the leaders of the countries have met, and previous summits in Pyongyang, the North’s capital, were not broadcast live. “There is the sense of excitement in Seoul that almost everybody is preparing for celebration on Friday,” said Victor Cha, a US expert on Korea who was visiting Seoul this week. If the summit goes well, “perhaps people in Washington may be more optimistic” that Kim’s meeting with US President Donald Trump, expected in May or June, will go well, he added. The leaders of the two sides will meet at the South Korean border village of Panmunjom, the only place along the heavily fortified border where soldiers face off directly against each other. In Seoul, a gigantic TV screen will broadcast footage outside city hall. The plaza has been festooned in flowers arranged in the shape of the Korean peninsula to “create a conducive environment,” a city official said. In Gwangju, a theatre is offering free admission for people to watch the broadcast on its movie screen. “Think about South Korean honour guards escorting the leader of our enemy state,” said Lee Shin, the head of a reunification research group in the city. “This is a very significant moment of our history.”

South Korea to hit pause on Friday to soak in the historic summit

A US&nbsp;Senate committee approved the nomination of President Donald Trump's choice for secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, on Monday after a Republican senator who had been opposed threw his support behind the CIA director in the face of party pressure.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the nomination on a party-line vote, with all 11 Republicans backing him, nine Democrats opposed and one Democrat, Chris Coons, voting "present" because one Republican was at a funeral out of town.

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said there were enough votes in the full Senate to confirm Pompeo this week. That would allow Pompeo to attend a NATO summit on Friday.

Pompeo became one of Trump's closest advisers during his 15 months as CIA director. He most recently has been deeply involved in preparations for Trump's summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, including meeting with him three weeks ago.

While many Democrats consider Pompeo too hawkish and worry about past harsh statements on homosexuality and Islam, he has the support of at least three Democratic senators not on the committee who is running for re-election in states Trump won easily in 2016. That all but assures Pompeo will be confirmed.

"I do not believe Director Pompeo is someone who will always prioritize diplomacy over conflict, particularly in the context of the aggressive foreign policy voices growing around him," said Senator Robert Menendez, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, citing Pompeo's past openness to regime change in North Korea and Iran.

No Republican besides Senator Rand Paul, who changed his vote on Monday, had announced opposition.

Paul's late switch meant Pompeo avoided the embarrassment of being the first nominee for secretary of state to fail to secure the committee's endorsement since it began considering them in the late 19th century.

That would have weakened Pompeo's reputation internationally and cast a cloud over Trump's push to overhaul his national security team after firing Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and replacing his national security adviser, HR&nbsp;McMaster, with John Bolton, also known as a hawk.

The White House and Republican Party had thrown their weight behind the nomination, with unceasing attacks on Democrats for opposing Trump's pick.

Paul had opposed Pompeo for weeks, holding a news conference to announce his opposition to him, as well as Trump's pick to replace him at the CIA, Deputy CIA Director Gina Haspel.

Haspel, whose Senate confirmation hearing is next month, also faces a tough confirmation fight. Democrats and some Republicans are concerned about her links to the CIA's past use of "harsh interrogation techniques," widely seen as torture.

Paul has repeatedly threatened opposition to policy positions staked out by Trump, before changing his mind at the last minute. Trump recently predicted he would come around again on Pompeo, calling Paul "a good man" who has "never let us down."

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the nomination on a party-line vote, with all 11 Republicans backing him, nine Democrats opposed and one Democrat, Chris Coons, voting 'present' because one Republican was at a funeral out of town.

A US Senate committee approved the nomination of President Donald Trump's choice for secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, on Monday after a Republican senator who had been opposed threw his support behind the CIA director in the face of party pressure. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the nomination on a party-line vote, with all 11 Republicans backing him, nine Democrats opposed and one Democrat, Chris Coons, voting "present" because one Republican was at a funeral out of town. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said there were enough votes in the full Senate to confirm Pompeo this week. That would allow Pompeo to attend a NATO summit on Friday. Pompeo became one of Trump's closest advisers during his 15 months as CIA director. He most recently has been deeply involved in preparations for Trump's summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, including meeting with him three weeks ago. While many Democrats consider Pompeo too hawkish and worry about past harsh statements on homosexuality and Islam, he has the support of at least three Democratic senators not on the committee who is running for re-election in states Trump won easily in 2016. That all but assures Pompeo will be confirmed. "I do not believe Director Pompeo is someone who will always prioritize diplomacy over conflict, particularly in the context of the aggressive foreign policy voices growing around him," said Senator Robert Menendez, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, citing Pompeo's past openness to regime change in North Korea and Iran. No Republican besides Senator Rand Paul, who changed his vote on Monday, had announced opposition. Paul's late switch meant Pompeo avoided the embarrassment of being the first nominee for secretary of state to fail to secure the committee's endorsement since it began considering them in the late 19th century. That would have weakened Pompeo's reputation internationally and cast a cloud over Trump's push to overhaul his national security team after firing Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and replacing his national security adviser, HR McMaster, with John Bolton, also known as a hawk. The White House and Republican Party had thrown their weight behind the nomination, with unceasing attacks on Democrats for opposing Trump's pick. Paul had opposed Pompeo for weeks, holding a news conference to announce his opposition to him, as well as Trump's pick to replace him at the CIA, Deputy CIA Director Gina Haspel. Haspel, whose Senate confirmation hearing is next month, also faces a tough confirmation fight. Democrats and some Republicans are concerned about her links to the CIA's past use of "harsh interrogation techniques," widely seen as torture. Paul has repeatedly threatened opposition to policy positions staked out by Trump, before changing his mind at the last minute. Trump recently predicted he would come around again on Pompeo, calling Paul "a good man" who has "never let us down."

Senate committee paves way for Pompeo to become top US diplomat

South Korea halted the propaganda broadcasts it blares across the border at North Korea on Monday ahead of their first summit in a decade, as US&nbspPresident Donald Trump cautioned the nuclear crisis on the peninsula was a long way from being resolved.

North and South Korea are in the final stages of preparations for a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-In at the border truce village of Panmunjom on Friday.

Ahead of the summit, North Korea announced it would halt nuclear and missile tests and said it was scrapping its nuclear test site to instead pursue economic growth and peace.

“North Korea’s decision to freeze its nuclear program is a significant decision for the complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula,” South Korean President Moon Jae-in said in a regular meeting at the Blue House on Monday.

“It is a green light that raises the chances of positive outcomes at the North’s summits with South Korea and the United States. If North Korea goes the path of complete denuclearization starting from this, then a bright future for North Korea can be guaranteed.”

The South’s propaganda broadcasts were stopped at midnight, the defense ministry said, without specifying whether they would resume after the Kim-Moon summit.

“We hope this decision will lead both Koreas to stop mutual criticism and propaganda against each other and also contribute in creating peace and a new beginning,” the South Korean defense ministry said about the decision to halt the broadcasts.

It is the first time in more than two years the South Korean broadcasts, which include a mixture of news, South Korean pop music and criticism of the North Korean regime, have been stopped.

North Korea has its own propaganda loudspeakers at the border, but a defense ministry official said he could not verify whether the North had stopped its broadcasts.

Caution

The inter-Korean talks and a planned meeting between Kim and Trump in the coming weeks have raised hopes of an easing in tensions that reached a crescendo last year amid a flurry of North Korean missile tests and its largest nuclear test.

After initially welcoming Pyongyang’s statement on halting nuclear and missile tests, Trump sounded a more cautious note on Sunday.

“We are a long way from conclusion on North Korea, maybe things will work out, and maybe they won’t - only time will tell,” Trump said on Twitter.

Still, South Korean companies with exposure to North Korea rallied after Pyongyang’s weekend announcement.

Shares of Good People (033340.KQ) and Shinwon Corp (009270.KS), which used to operate factories in North Korea’s Kaesong industrial region near the Demilitarized Zone, surged 8 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively.

China, North Korea’s main ally, also welcomed the North Korean announcement, but editorials in state-run media on Monday were tempered with notes of caution.

The China Daily, the official English-languages newspaper of the Chinese government, said the pledges conveyed the message that Kim will sit down for talks as the leader of a legitimate nuclear power.

“Negotiations about actual nuclear disarmament will likely prove arduous given such weapons are critical to Pyongyang’s sense of security. It will require ironclad security guarantees if it is to relinquish them.”

The Global Times, a hawkish tabloid newspaper run by the ruling Communist Party’s official People’s Daily, said all parties “should cherish this hard-won state of affairs” and continue to make efforts toward peace and denuclearization.

“Washington should not regard North Korea’s halt to nuclear and missile tests as a result of its maximum pressure,” the Global Times wrote.

“It must be attributed to multiple factors, one of which is that Pyongyang has mastered certain advanced nuclear technologies and successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile with a range of more than 10,000 km.”

The United States, through the United Nations, has pursued a series of tightening sanctions on North Korea aimed at cutting its access to foreign currency.

Customs data on Monday showed China’s imports from North Korea fell 87 per cent in the first three months of the year, while exports dropped 46 per cent.

Tourism, dominated by Chinese visitors, remains a key export earner for North Korea. Chinese tourists have been involved in a major bus accident in North Korea and there are a large number of casualties, Chinese state media and the government said on Monday.

North and South Korea are in the final stages of preparations for a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-In at the border truce village of Panmunjom on Friday

South Korea halted the propaganda broadcasts it blares across the border at North Korea on Monday ahead of their first summit in a decade, as US&nbspPresident Donald Trump cautioned the nuclear crisis on the peninsula was a long way from being resolved. North and South Korea are in the final stages of preparations for a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-In at the border truce village of Panmunjom on Friday. Ahead of the summit, North Korea announced it would halt nuclear and missile tests and said it was scrapping its nuclear test site to instead pursue economic growth and peace. “North Korea’s decision to freeze its nuclear program is a significant decision for the complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula,” South Korean President Moon Jae-in said in a regular meeting at the Blue House on Monday. “It is a green light that raises the chances of positive outcomes at the North’s summits with South Korea and the United States. If North Korea goes the path of complete denuclearization starting from this, then a bright future for North Korea can be guaranteed.” The South’s propaganda broadcasts were stopped at midnight, the defense ministry said, without specifying whether they would resume after the Kim-Moon summit. “We hope this decision will lead both Koreas to stop mutual criticism and propaganda against each other and also contribute in creating peace and a new beginning,” the South Korean defense ministry said about the decision to halt the broadcasts. It is the first time in more than two years the South Korean broadcasts, which include a mixture of news, South Korean pop music and criticism of the North Korean regime, have been stopped. North Korea has its own propaganda loudspeakers at the border, but a defense ministry official said he could not verify whether the North had stopped its broadcasts. Caution The inter-Korean talks and a planned meeting between Kim and Trump in the coming weeks have raised hopes of an easing in tensions that reached a crescendo last year amid a flurry of North Korean missile tests and its largest nuclear test. After initially welcoming Pyongyang’s statement on halting nuclear and missile tests, Trump sounded a more cautious note on Sunday. “We are a long way from conclusion on North Korea, maybe things will work out, and maybe they won’t - only time will tell,” Trump said on Twitter. Still, South Korean companies with exposure to North Korea rallied after Pyongyang’s weekend announcement. Shares of Good People (033340.KQ) and Shinwon Corp (009270.KS), which used to operate factories in North Korea’s Kaesong industrial region near the Demilitarized Zone, surged 8 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively. China, North Korea’s main ally, also welcomed the North Korean announcement, but editorials in state-run media on Monday were tempered with notes of caution. The China Daily, the official English-languages newspaper of the Chinese government, said the pledges conveyed the message that Kim will sit down for talks as the leader of a legitimate nuclear power. “Negotiations about actual nuclear disarmament will likely prove arduous given such weapons are critical to Pyongyang’s sense of security. It will require ironclad security guarantees if it is to relinquish them.” The Global Times, a hawkish tabloid newspaper run by the ruling Communist Party’s official People’s Daily, said all parties “should cherish this hard-won state of affairs” and continue to make efforts toward peace and denuclearization. “Washington should not regard North Korea’s halt to nuclear and missile tests as a result of its maximum pressure,” the Global Times wrote. “It must be attributed to multiple factors, one of which is that Pyongyang has mastered certain advanced nuclear technologies and successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile with a range of more than 10,000 km.” The United States, through the United Nations, has pursued a series of tightening sanctions on North Korea aimed at cutting its access to foreign currency. Customs data on Monday showed China’s imports from North Korea fell 87 per cent in the first three months of the year, while exports dropped 46 per cent. Tourism, dominated by Chinese visitors, remains a key export earner for North Korea. Chinese tourists have been involved in a major bus accident in North Korea and there are a large number of casualties, Chinese state media and the government said on Monday.

South Korea switches off propaganda broadcasts, Moon upbeat on North Korea nuclear halt

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump said the North Korean nuclear crisis is far from conclusion on Sunday, striking a cautious note a day after the North`s pledge to end its nuclear tests raised hopes before planned summits with South Korea and the United States.&nbsp

North Korea said on Saturday it was suspending nuclear and missile tests and scrapping its nuclear test site, and instead pursuing economic growth and peace ahead of planned summits with South Korea and the United States.

"We are a long way from conclusion on North Korea, maybe things will work out, and maybe they won’t - only time will tell....But the work I am doing now should have been done a long time ago!" Trump said on Twitter.

World leaders welcomed the announcement about the end to nuclear tests including Trump, who in an earlier tweet Sunday called North Korea's statement a pledge to denuclearize: "Wow, we haven’t given up anything & they have agreed to denuclearization (so great for World), site closure, and no more testing!"

However, Kim's announcement did not include a commitment to scrap existing nuclear weapons and missiles, and there are doubts he would ever give up the nuclear arsenal his country has been developing for decades.

Some have expressed doubts about the North's intentions and South Korean President Moon Jae-in will be under intense international scrutiny when he meets North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Friday.

"North Korea has a long history of raising the issue of denuclearisation and has committed to freeze its nuclear weapons programmes in the past. We all remember how those pledges and commitments went down over past decades," said Nam Sung-wook, a professor of North Korean Studies at Korea University in Seoul.&nbsp

"Although the North's announcement is quite dramatic, it's natural for the world to be extra sensitive to every word spoken by Kim."

Kim said North Korea no longer needed to test nuclear bombs or intercontinental ballistic missiles now that his country had the weapons, and he would gear all efforts toward economic development.

Moon, who welcomed Kim's announcement as a "major" step toward denuclearisation, is making the summit his sole focus this week, staying in the presidential Blue House to prepare with no outside engagements, a Blue House official said on Sunday.

South Korea's presidential security service met officials from the military as well as the UN&nbspCommand on Saturday to discuss security at the border truce village of Panmunjom, where the inter-Korean summit will take place, the official said.

For the past few weeks, South Korea has been renovating Peace House, on its side of Panmunjom, to prepare for the summit with Kim, who will be the first North Korean leader to set foot in the South since the 1950-1953 Korean War.

On Monday, the two Koreas will hold another round of working-level talks at the Tongil Pavilion on the North Korean side of Panmunjom to discuss protocol, security and media coverage of the summit.

'Big progress'

Moon now has a direct phone link with Kim on his office desk, instead of having to communicate through a hotline at the Joint Security Area in Panmunjom, which had been the main channel between the two sides over the Winter Olympics in February.&nbsp

The two leaders are expected to talk over the newly installed phone for the first time this week, before the summit, South Korea said on Friday.&nbsp

A senior US&nbspdiplomat for East Asia, Susan Thornton, called North Korea's latest announcement "a very positive step" as she started a three-day visit to Seoul on Sunday, which will include meetings with South Korea's foreign minister as well as its top nuclear negotiator.

"We are going to be doing a lot of close coordination with South Korea, allies and partners this week," the Yonhap news agency quoted her as saying.&nbsp

Earlier, Trump called North Korea's offer to freeze testing and close its only known nuclear testing site "very good news" and "big progress", while South Korea said it signified "meaningful" progress that would create good conditions for successful summits with it and later with the United States.

Kim is expected to meet Trump in late May or early June, the first meeting between sitting leaders of the two countries.

US&nbspofficials say North Korea had in the past repeatedly reneged on denuclearisation agreements, the latest in 2012 when the North launched a long-range rocket after agreeing to a moratorium on missile testing.

Cheong Seong-chang, senior research fellow at the Sejong Institute think-tank, said a firm commitment to denuclearise could not be expected before negotiations with the United States began.

"Kim cannot give up everything at once. What is clear is that he is showing his earnest willingness to pave the way for smooth negotiations," Cheong said.

North Korea said on Saturday it was suspending nuclear and missile tests and scrapping its nuclear test site

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump said the North Korean nuclear crisis is far from conclusion on Sunday, striking a cautious note a day after the North`s pledge to end its nuclear tests raised hopes before planned summits with South Korea and the United States. North Korea said on Saturday it was suspending nuclear and missile tests and scrapping its nuclear test site, and instead pursuing economic growth and peace ahead of planned summits with South Korea and the United States. "We are a long way from conclusion on North Korea, maybe things will work out, and maybe they won’t - only time will tell....But the work I am doing now should have been done a long time ago!" Trump said on Twitter. World leaders welcomed the announcement about the end to nuclear tests including Trump, who in an earlier tweet Sunday called North Korea's statement a pledge to denuclearize: "Wow, we haven’t given up anything & they have agreed to denuclearization (so great for World), site closure, and no more testing!" However, Kim's announcement did not include a commitment to scrap existing nuclear weapons and missiles, and there are doubts he would ever give up the nuclear arsenal his country has been developing for decades. Some have expressed doubts about the North's intentions and South Korean President Moon Jae-in will be under intense international scrutiny when he meets North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Friday. "North Korea has a long history of raising the issue of denuclearisation and has committed to freeze its nuclear weapons programmes in the past. We all remember how those pledges and commitments went down over past decades," said Nam Sung-wook, a professor of North Korean Studies at Korea University in Seoul. "Although the North's announcement is quite dramatic, it's natural for the world to be extra sensitive to every word spoken by Kim." Kim said North Korea no longer needed to test nuclear bombs or intercontinental ballistic missiles now that his country had the weapons, and he would gear all efforts toward economic development. Moon, who welcomed Kim's announcement as a "major" step toward denuclearisation, is making the summit his sole focus this week, staying in the presidential Blue House to prepare with no outside engagements, a Blue House official said on Sunday. South Korea's presidential security service met officials from the military as well as the UN&nbspCommand on Saturday to discuss security at the border truce village of Panmunjom, where the inter-Korean summit will take place, the official said. For the past few weeks, South Korea has been renovating Peace House, on its side of Panmunjom, to prepare for the summit with Kim, who will be the first North Korean leader to set foot in the South since the 1950-1953 Korean War. On Monday, the two Koreas will hold another round of working-level talks at the Tongil Pavilion on the North Korean side of Panmunjom to discuss protocol, security and media coverage of the summit. 'Big progress' Moon now has a direct phone link with Kim on his office desk, instead of having to communicate through a hotline at the Joint Security Area in Panmunjom, which had been the main channel between the two sides over the Winter Olympics in February. The two leaders are expected to talk over the newly installed phone for the first time this week, before the summit, South Korea said on Friday. A senior US&nbspdiplomat for East Asia, Susan Thornton, called North Korea's latest announcement "a very positive step" as she started a three-day visit to Seoul on Sunday, which will include meetings with South Korea's foreign minister as well as its top nuclear negotiator. "We are going to be doing a lot of close coordination with South Korea, allies and partners this week," the Yonhap news agency quoted her as saying. Earlier, Trump called North Korea's offer to freeze testing and close its only known nuclear testing site "very good news" and "big progress", while South Korea said it signified "meaningful" progress that would create good conditions for successful summits with it and later with the United States. Kim is expected to meet Trump in late May or early June, the first meeting between sitting leaders of the two countries. US&nbspofficials say North Korea had in the past repeatedly reneged on denuclearisation agreements, the latest in 2012 when the North launched a long-range rocket after agreeing to a moratorium on missile testing. Cheong Seong-chang, senior research fellow at the Sejong Institute think-tank, said a firm commitment to denuclearise could not be expected before negotiations with the United States began. "Kim cannot give up everything at once. What is clear is that he is showing his earnest willingness to pave the way for smooth negotiations," Cheong said.

Trump says 'long way' to go on North Korea crisis

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North Korea leader Kim Jong Un says his country will suspend nuclear, missile tests and abolish test site North Korea will suspend nuclear and missile tests effectively immediately and abolish a nuclear test site in a bid to pursue economic growth and peace on the Korean peninsula, the North`s state media said on Saturday, ahead of planned summits with South Korea and the United States. US recession ahead? Federal policymakers say not to worry As the gap between short- and long-term borrowing costs hovers near its lowest in more than 10 years, speculation has risen over whether the so-called yield curve is signalling that a recession could be around the corner. Not to worry, two influential Federal Reserve policymakers said on Friday. Walmart could buy controlling stake in Flipkart by next week Walmart Inc could seal a deal to buy a more than 51% stake in Indian online marketplace Flipkart as early as next week, two sources familiar with the matter said on Friday. US students walk out again to protest gun violence Demanding an end to gun violence and tougher restrictions on firearm sales, thousands of students again walked out of classes across the United States on Friday in hopes of putting pressure on politicians ahead of November's midterm elections. India's growth momentum must continue despite elections: IMF The International Monetary Fund has said it wants continued momentum in India's growth and structural reforms despite the election period.

North Korea will suspend nuclear and missile tests effectively immediately and abolish a nuclear test site in a bid to pursue economic growth and peace on the Korean peninsula, the North`s state media said on Saturday, ahead of planned summits with South Korea and the United States.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-meaningful-progress-towards-denuclearization-south-korea-131748">North Korea meaningful progress towards denuclearization says South Korea</a>

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un said his country no longer needed to conduct nuclear tests or intercontinental ballistic missile tests because it has completed its goal of developing nuclear weapons, state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

“To guarantee suspension of nuclear tests in a transparent manner, the republic’s northern nuclear test site will be abolished," the KCNA said after Kim convened this year`s first plenary session of the Central Committee of the ruling Worker`s Party on Friday.

“The overall projects of the party and the country will be geared towards building of a socialist economy, and all our efforts will be made towards it,” the KCNA said.

North Korea also said it would engage in talks with the international community, paving the way for the summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in planned for next week and a meeting with US President Donald Trump in late May or early June.

<img alt="ani.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/news/ani.jpg" width="770" />

Trump on Friday welcomed the statement and said he looked forward to a summit with Kim.

"North Korea has agreed to suspend all Nuclear Tests and close up a major test site. This is very good news for North Korea and the World - big progress! Look forward to our Summit," Trump said on Twitter.

North Korea has defended its nuclear and missile programmes in the face of worldwide condemnation and sanctions as a necessary deterrent against perceived US hostility.&nbsp;

Tensions eased significantly after North Korea`s Kim called in a New Year`s speech for lower military tensions and improved ties with South Korea.&nbsp;

It sent a delegation to the Winter Olympics held in South Korea and agreed to meet with Moon and Trump to discuss denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

The ruling party`s plenary meeting on Friday was convened to discuss "policy issues of a new stage" to meet the demands of the current "important historic period," the KCNA said.

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un said his country no longer needed to conduct nuclear tests or intercontinental ballistic missile tests because it has completed its goal of developing nuclear weapons, state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

North Korea will suspend nuclear and missile tests effectively immediately and abolish a nuclear test site in a bid to pursue economic growth and peace on the Korean peninsula, the North`s state media said on Saturday, ahead of planned summits with South Korea and the United States. Also read: North Korea meaningful progress towards denuclearization says South Korea North Korea leader Kim Jong Un said his country no longer needed to conduct nuclear tests or intercontinental ballistic missile tests because it has completed its goal of developing nuclear weapons, state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. “To guarantee suspension of nuclear tests in a transparent manner, the republic’s northern nuclear test site will be abolished," the KCNA said after Kim convened this year`s first plenary session of the Central Committee of the ruling Worker`s Party on Friday. “The overall projects of the party and the country will be geared towards building of a socialist economy, and all our efforts will be made towards it,” the KCNA said. North Korea also said it would engage in talks with the international community, paving the way for the summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in planned for next week and a meeting with US President Donald Trump in late May or early June. Trump on Friday welcomed the statement and said he looked forward to a summit with Kim. "North Korea has agreed to suspend all Nuclear Tests and close up a major test site. This is very good news for North Korea and the World - big progress! Look forward to our Summit," Trump said on Twitter. North Korea has defended its nuclear and missile programmes in the face of worldwide condemnation and sanctions as a necessary deterrent against perceived US hostility. Tensions eased significantly after North Korea`s Kim called in a New Year`s speech for lower military tensions and improved ties with South Korea. It sent a delegation to the Winter Olympics held in South Korea and agreed to meet with Moon and Trump to discuss denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. The ruling party`s plenary meeting on Friday was convened to discuss "policy issues of a new stage" to meet the demands of the current "important historic period," the KCNA said.

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un says his country will suspend nuclear, missile tests and abolish test site

Britain has welcomed North Korea's decision to cease nuclear tests calling it a positive step. The British government hoped that the move will translate into a sign of good faith.&nbsp;

"A long-term commitment from Kim Jung Un to halt all nuclear tests and ICBM launches would be a positive step. We hope this indicates an effort to negotiate in good faith," the British government said in a statement. &nbsp; &nbsp;

"We remain committed to working with our international partners to bring about our goal of a complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, and to do so through peaceful means," the statement read.&nbsp;

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un said his country no longer needed to conduct nuclear tests or intercontinental ballistic missile tests because it has completed its goal of developing nuclear weapons, state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

“To guarantee suspension of nuclear tests in a transparent manner, the republic’s northern nuclear test site will be abolished," the KCNA said after Kim convened this year`s first plenary session of the Central Committee of the ruling Worker`s Party on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Chinese government also welcomed its ally's move and hoped that the decision will ease tensions in the Korean peninsula.&nbsp;

"We hope that the DPRK will continue to achieve results in its economic development and improvement of people's living standards," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said.

(With inputs from Reuters)

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un said his country no longer needed to conduct nuclear tests or intercontinental ballistic missile tests

Britain has welcomed North Korea's decision to cease nuclear tests calling it a positive step. The British government hoped that the move will translate into a sign of good faith. "A long-term commitment from Kim Jung Un to halt all nuclear tests and ICBM launches would be a positive step. We hope this indicates an effort to negotiate in good faith," the British government said in a statement. "We remain committed to working with our international partners to bring about our goal of a complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, and to do so through peaceful means," the statement read. North Korea leader Kim Jong Un said his country no longer needed to conduct nuclear tests or intercontinental ballistic missile tests because it has completed its goal of developing nuclear weapons, state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. “To guarantee suspension of nuclear tests in a transparent manner, the republic’s northern nuclear test site will be abolished," the KCNA said after Kim convened this year`s first plenary session of the Central Committee of the ruling Worker`s Party on Friday. Meanwhile, the Chinese government also welcomed its ally's move and hoped that the decision will ease tensions in the Korean peninsula. "We hope that the DPRK will continue to achieve results in its economic development and improvement of people's living standards," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said. (With inputs from Reuters)

We hope this indicates an effort to negotiate in good faith: Britain on North Korea's nuclear move

Refuting earlier reports of Rusia could host meeting between US president Donald Trump and North Korea leader Kim Jong Un, foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said it will not offer to host any such meeting.

Trump has said he is trying to set up a meeting with Kim to defuse tensions on the Korean peninsula. Lavrov was quoted as saying by RIA that the meeting would be a step away from a military resolution of the situation.

In December there were media reports that said that&nbspRussia could host talks between the United States and North Korea if Moscow is asked to do so.

“We are open to contacts and ready to provide a venue (for talks) if necessary,” news agency RIA quoted Russian ambassador-at-large Oleg Burmistrov as saying. “We are ready to take part in such meetings if we are invited.”

On Wednesday the White House has said that Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have not spoken directly but the US president confirmed that Washington and Pyongyang had been in contact at "very high levels" to prepare for a historic meeting between them.

The Washington Post reported that CIA director Mike Pompeo had met Kim on a secret trip to the North over the first weekend of April, shortly after he was nominated to be secretary of state.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Russian will not offer to host a meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday, according to the RIA news agency

Refuting earlier reports of Rusia could host meeting between US president Donald Trump and North Korea leader Kim Jong Un, foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said it will not offer to host any such meeting. Trump has said he is trying to set up a meeting with Kim to defuse tensions on the Korean peninsula. Lavrov was quoted as saying by RIA that the meeting would be a step away from a military resolution of the situation. In December there were media reports that said that&nbspRussia could host talks between the United States and North Korea if Moscow is asked to do so. “We are open to contacts and ready to provide a venue (for talks) if necessary,” news agency RIA quoted Russian ambassador-at-large Oleg Burmistrov as saying. “We are ready to take part in such meetings if we are invited.” On Wednesday the White House has said that Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have not spoken directly but the US president confirmed that Washington and Pyongyang had been in contact at "very high levels" to prepare for a historic meeting between them. The Washington Post reported that CIA director Mike Pompeo had met Kim on a secret trip to the North over the first weekend of April, shortly after he was nominated to be secretary of state. (With inputs from Reuters)

Russia says will not offer to host Trump meeting with North Korea's Kim: RIA

Diplomatic foes North and South Korea installed a direct phone line between their leaders on Friday as they prepare for the first summit since 2007 - and the connection was great, the South's presidential office said.

South Korea's presidential Blue House and North Korea's State Affairs Commission tested the hotline for four minutes before South Korea's Moon Jae-in and North Korea's Kim Jong Un talk ahead of next week's summit, the office said.

"The call quality was very good and we felt like we got a call from our next-door neighbour," South Korea's director for the Government Situation Room, Youn Kun-young, told reporters.

Moon will now be able to pick up his office phone to talk to Kim, instead of communicating through a hotline at the Joint Security Area in the border village of Panmunjom.

The plan was unveiled by the South's National Security Adviser, Chung Eui-yong, after he met Kim last month in Pyongyang.

Impoverished North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty and the North has been engaged in a standoff over its nuclear and missile programmes that it conducts in defiance of UN&nbsp;Security Council resolutions.

But tensions have eased in recent months, with the North taking part in the Winter Olympics in the South in February and an exchange of threats of war with the United States and other bellicose rhetoric evaporating.

Now North and South are meeting next week and Kim and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump are expected to hold their first-ever summit in May or June, with denuclearisation the topic of the day.

The idea of opening a hotline was hatched in June 2000 when then South Korean President Kim Dae-jung and the North's Kim Jong Il, the current leader's father, held the first inter-Korean summit.

The system reportedly features a telephone, a fax and a screen with Internet connection for a video chat. &nbsp;

Lim Dong-won, a key architect of the late liberal president's Sunshine policy of re-engagement with the North, said in his 2007 memoir that the phones played a critical role in resolving sensitive issues.

The communication channel was also used by Roh Moo-hyun, the successor to Kim Dae-jung, until the conservative Lee Myung-bak took over in 2008, Seoul officials said.

There was no communication at Panmunjom as the standoff deepened over Pyongyang's weapons programmes until the hotline was used for the first time in nearly two years in January.

During the lull, South Korean officials would sometimes use a bull horn to shout messages across the border.

South Korea's presidential Blue House and North Korea's State Affairs Commission tested the hotline for four minutes before South Korea's Moon Jae-in and North Korea's Kim Jong Un talk ahead of next week's summit

Diplomatic foes North and South Korea installed a direct phone line between their leaders on Friday as they prepare for the first summit since 2007 - and the connection was great, the South's presidential office said. South Korea's presidential Blue House and North Korea's State Affairs Commission tested the hotline for four minutes before South Korea's Moon Jae-in and North Korea's Kim Jong Un talk ahead of next week's summit, the office said. "The call quality was very good and we felt like we got a call from our next-door neighbour," South Korea's director for the Government Situation Room, Youn Kun-young, told reporters. Moon will now be able to pick up his office phone to talk to Kim, instead of communicating through a hotline at the Joint Security Area in the border village of Panmunjom. The plan was unveiled by the South's National Security Adviser, Chung Eui-yong, after he met Kim last month in Pyongyang. Impoverished North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty and the North has been engaged in a standoff over its nuclear and missile programmes that it conducts in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions. But tensions have eased in recent months, with the North taking part in the Winter Olympics in the South in February and an exchange of threats of war with the United States and other bellicose rhetoric evaporating. Now North and South are meeting next week and Kim and US President Donald Trump are expected to hold their first-ever summit in May or June, with denuclearisation the topic of the day. The idea of opening a hotline was hatched in June 2000 when then South Korean President Kim Dae-jung and the North's Kim Jong Il, the current leader's father, held the first inter-Korean summit. The system reportedly features a telephone, a fax and a screen with Internet connection for a video chat. Lim Dong-won, a key architect of the late liberal president's Sunshine policy of re-engagement with the North, said in his 2007 memoir that the phones played a critical role in resolving sensitive issues. The communication channel was also used by Roh Moo-hyun, the successor to Kim Dae-jung, until the conservative Lee Myung-bak took over in 2008, Seoul officials said. There was no communication at Panmunjom as the standoff deepened over Pyongyang's weapons programmes until the hotline was used for the first time in nearly two years in January. During the lull, South Korean officials would sometimes use a bull horn to shout messages across the border.

North and South Korea get neighbourly with direct hotline

South Korea's presidential office said on Wednesday it is considering how to change a decades-old armistice with North Korea into a more peaceful agreement.

The two countries are discussing various ways to improve the security situation on the Korean peninsula towards a "a structure that is more fully peaceful", a high-ranking presidential official said, answering a question about a North Korea-South Korean summit planned later this month.

The two countries are discussing various ways to improve the security situation on the Korean peninsula towards a 'a structure that is more fully peaceful', a high-ranking presidential official said

South Korea's presidential office said on Wednesday it is considering how to change a decades-old armistice with North Korea into a more peaceful agreement. The two countries are discussing various ways to improve the security situation on the Korean peninsula towards a "a structure that is more fully peaceful", a high-ranking presidential official said, answering a question about a North Korea-South Korean summit planned later this month.

South Korea considering peace treaty with North

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North Korea must denuclearise: Pompeo

North Korea's Kim Jong-Un tells China he is committed to denuclearisation

Trump says location, date of North Korea summit may be announced soon

US not starry-eyed on North Korea giving up nuclear weapons, says NSA John Bolton

Meeting with North Korea could happen in '3 or 4 weeks', says Donald Trump

Watch: Charm offensive at DMZ as Kim's wife, sister steal the limelight

How South Koreans reacted to the summit between leaders of rival Koreas

People in Beijing express hopes for historic inter-korea summit

Watch: North Korea leader Kim Jong Un becomes first to cross South since 1950-53 war

Do not forget President Xi's help in North Korea issue, reminds Trump

White House issues statement, says US hopeful Korea talks will achieve progress

Trump praises historic North, South Korea meeting

Kim Jong-Un sorry for keeping South Korean President Moon up with late night missile tests

South Korea's Moon to meet North Korea's Kim at border for summit

South Korea to hit pause on Friday to soak in the historic summit

Senate committee paves way for Pompeo to become top US diplomat

South Korea switches off propaganda broadcasts, Moon upbeat on North Korea nuclear halt

Trump says 'long way' to go on North Korea crisis

News brief: Big stories of the day